Tag Archives: Patricia Adams

Panic Disorders Versus Panic Attacks

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Why the Symptoms of a Panic Attack Vary From Those of a Panic Disorder
By Patricia Adams

While it is perfectly natural to experience some level of fear about an upcoming event, like a big test or presentation, the symptoms should not be confused with the symptoms of fear and anxiety in a specific situation. Unlike anxiety, it is a specific episode where you experience an intense level of panic and terror with some of the most common symptoms being the following:

  • A pounding or fast heartbeat
  • Feeling hot, sweating for no reason, or experiencing body chills in a warm room
  • Feeling faint, dizzy or weak
  • Experiencing a numbing or tingling of hands
  • Experiencing chest pain or feeling like you are being smothered. This symptom is why panic attacks are commonly lead people to believe they may be having a heart attack
  • Experiencing a sense of unreality
  • Experiencing a fear of imminent disaster or loss of control
  • Having a fear of dying

Unlike anxiety, can occur suddenly and without warning. If you have experienced the symptoms of a panic attack then you probably know that these attacks can happen at any time and usually do not need a cause. While most attacks may only last for a few minutes, some can last for up to 10 minutes and in extreme cases they can last as long as an hour which while uncommon.

The symptoms of a panic attack can be present in people of any age, including children, adults, the elderly, and most commonly being present in young adults. It is also believed that these attacks will affect up to 12% Australians at some point in their lives, and that the symptoms of a panic attack are twice as likely to be seen in women as in men. While it may be easy to assume that the symptoms you are experiencing are those of a panic attack, you need to keep in mind that the symptoms, while similar, can actually be those of an illness. An attack can be caused by the physiological effects of a drug addiction or by a non-psychological medical condition, such as hyperthyroidism. It is in these cases that the symptoms of a panic attack would not be classified in the same way.

If treatment for panic attacks is not received, these attacks can morph into what is commonly known as a panic disorder. Unlike panic attacks, a panic disorder commonly includes a strong sense of anxiety between attacks since the sufferer fears when their next attack may occur. Sufferers may also develop a form of phobia or even generalized agoraphobia if the root cause not addressed. Many develop phobias or fears of being placed back in the situation or location where the first attack occurred, and is commonly why those who suffer from some form of panic disorder will choose to avoid certain locations or events. If some form of treatment for panic disorder is not received, the sufferer could potentially never leave their home, for fear that another attack may be around the corner.

Since many may be embarrassed about their disorder, most may choose to utilize some form of panic attacks self help instead of enlisting the help of a trained professional. While this may help to reduce the occurrence of symptoms and the severity of the attacks, it will not help prevent the onset of more serious illnesses like panic disorder or agoraphobia. Panic attacks self help commonly include relaxation techniques, behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, assertiveness training, and relapse prevention. Self help methods never target the underlying causes for an attack which is why it is so important to seek professional treatment for panic attacks.

Panic attacks do not discriminate and symptoms can be found in those who many not think they are prone to anxiety. If you find that you experiencing anxiety symptoms much more than normal, don’t be afraid to seek help so you can find ways to prevent these attacks from having a negative impact on your way of life.

Patricia Adams of PanicAnxietyCure-Reviews.com, had suffered from panic attacks for over twenty years, but fortunately found help from it’s debilitating effects and cured herself permanently. She now dedicates her time in helping other panic and anxiety sufferers get the info that they need to gain ultimate freedom. Patricia now constantly reviews new products and natural cures in the market to make sure you get the best value products that work for you. Check out actual user reviews of the best panic and anxiety natural cures at PanicAnxietyCure-Reviews.com.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-the-Symptoms-of-a-Panic-Attack-Vary-From-Those-of-a-Panic-Disorder&id=3690193

Andrew Larder
Author loves the psychological component of combatting irrational panic attacks and fears that feel very real.

How to Treat Panic Attacks

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A Beginners Guide on How to Treat Panic Attacks
By Patricia Adams

While panic may be the body’s normal reaction to a potentially dangerous situation, panic that is caused by something as simple as everyday activities is anything but normal. When we find ourselves in what could be classified as a dangerous situation our bodies trigger a fight or response so we can avoid harm in a potentially dangerous situation. What makes a panic attack different than just plain panic is when your body triggers a fight for flight response in a situation that poses no threat to your safety.

Panic attacks can start without any form of warning which is why it is so important that you learn how to treat panic attacks. An attack can last for anywhere from a few minutes to possibly an hour, and even after the attack is over, it can take some time before you feel completely normal again. Panic attacks are actually much more common than one may think. It is not unusual for someone to experience one of these attacks since at least one in five people will experience at least one panic attack in their lifetime.

When you experience a panic attack it is not unusual to worry about having another one which is why it is so important to learn how to treat attacks. Those who feel they are unable to control attacks may start to avoid certain situations or activities that could possibly trigger an attack. Many figure if they avoid the trigger, they can stop a panic attack from occurring, but instead of controlling panic attacks the attacks control them by forcing the sufferer to make a change in lifestyle changes usually not for the better. In order to better learn how to treat panic attacks, here are some of the most common symptoms so you can take control of the situation before it grows beyond your control. They are:

  • Sweating
  • Experiencing a shortness of breath, like you are unable to get enough air
  • A pounding heart
  • Pains in your chest (commonly confused with a symptom of a heart attack)
  • Feeling like you are unsteady
  • Feeling like you are choking
  • A dry mouth
  • Experiencing hot or cold flushes
  • Experiencing a tingling sensation
  • Feeling faint
  • Uncontrollable trembling
  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Feeling like you are losing control or that you can’t escape from a situation

While panic attacks are quite common, the causes for these attacks are still not fully known. Some believe that stress, ongoing stress, or even a stressful event is commonly associated with a form of panic attack. Since stress commonly alters the levels of the chemicals in your body that influence the fight or flight response, it should come as no surprise that the two are so closely linked. There are also some illnesses, like diabetes, asthma, or inner ear problems, that can have symptoms that are quite similar to the symptoms of attack so it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first before self diagnosing. Especially if some of these illnesses run in your family. Other disorders like depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder are associated with panic attacks so these may also need to be investigated when working to get to the root cause of what causes your attacks.

If you find yourself suffering from some form more often than you may like, then you are probably looking for ways to control panic attacks once and for all. Here are some tips on how to treat panic attacks so you can stop worrying and start living your life.

  1. Don’t be afraid to talk to yourself. When you find yourself in a panic inducing situation remember to remind yourself that it is only an uncomfortable feeling and that it will pass. Try thinking about something else, try and count backwards in threes from 100, sing the lines to your favorite song, or concentrate on your breathing, anything that draws your attention to something other than what you are currently feeling.
  2. Consider changing your diet. Stimulants like coffee, soda or anything else with caffeine can be a trigger for a panic attack. Even drugs, alcohol and smoking can trigger an attack so you may want to avoid these substances in order to control panic attacks.
  3. Get involved in some form of exercise routine. When starts the hormones start pumping through your body like adrenaline and it is these hormones that feed your panicked feeling. A good way to stop a panic attack is to exercise. Exercising increases your heart rate and with regular exercise you decrease your chance of experiencing yet another attack.
  4. Involve yourself in some form of relaxation technique. If you find that you are suffering from a lot of listening to a relaxation CD for as little as a half hour can help put you in a calming frame of mind. Even techniques like yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, or something as simple as going for a walk can help you relax which helps decrease your stress levels and when you stress less you decrease your chance of experiencing a panic attack.
  5. Practice slow breathing. This is a technique that can help you control even when you are not having one. When you learn how to slow down your breathing you can calm your body down, possibly stopping a panic attack all together. Practice the following:
    • Hold your breath and count to 10 and then release the breath out.
    • Breathe deeply in through your nose for the count of 3 and then out your mouth for the count of 3. Continue this process for one minute.
    • Hold your breath a second time and count of 10.
    • Follow these steps and do it for about 20 minutes a day and at any other time when you are feeling panicky.
  6. Enlist the help of a professional. If you find you are suffering from a lot of panic attacks and you are unable to control these attacks, you may need to enlist the help of a professional. A psychologist that specializes in anxiety disorders can help you learn how to control once and for all.

While they are not uncommon, dealing with and controlling panic attacks can be a frightening experience. If you find your attacks have grown beyond your control, consider seeking the help of a trained professional as they can help you learn how to stop your attacks once and for all.

Patricia Adams of PanicAnxietyCure-Reviews.com, had suffered from panic attacks for over twenty years, but fortunately found help from it’s debilitating effects and cured herself permanently. She now dedicates her time in helping other panic and anxiety sufferers get the info that they need to gain ultimate freedom. Patricia now constantly reviews new products and natural cures in the market to make sure you get the best value products that work for you. Check out actual user reviews of the best panic and anxiety natural cures at PanicAnxietyCure-Reviews.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Adams

http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Beginners-Guide-on-How-to-Treat-Panic-Attacks&id=3689723

Andrew Larder
Author loves the psychological component of combatting irrational panic attacks and fears that feel very real.