The Nature, Causes And Alleviation Of Panic Symptoms And Anxiety Attacks

Many patients who get regular panic attacks will tell you that a panic attack is far worse than a heart attack. The fact that these attacks often closely resemble a heart attack, makes the experience even worse. Let's discuss the causes and nature of panic symptoms and attacks in brief.

As already mentioned, a panic attack very often has very much the same symptoms as a heart attack. Your heartbeat will speed up dramatically or you could experience heart palpitations. Many people have severe chest pains and sometimes you'll have difficulty breathing. Patients regularly complain of a feeling of numbness in their scalp, arms and legs. Muscle pains and hot flushes are not uncommon either.

Some people sweat profusely when experiencing a panic attack. Others experience a complete lack of strength, a severe weakness in their arms and legs. Often the person getting an attack will feel that he's going crazy or dying. Another common symptom is nausea or dizziness.

Depression and panic attacks frequently go together. People suffering from depression often experience panic attacks and vice versa. Feelings of utmost despair can be very common in these circumstances. Thoughts of suicide and/or death are frequently reported.

There are many potential causes of anxiety attacks. The fact of the matter is that a large percentage of these attacks can never be traced back to a particular cause. Sometimes it is possible to put your finger on a cause, such as the patient taking in too much sugar or other stimulants, or drinking to too much coffee. Hormonal changes caused by menopause or PMDD also often result in panic attacks.

A particular situation can often trigger a panic attack. People who suffer from claustrophobia will therefore get an attack if they end up in a confined space. Others who suffer from agoraphobia can't stand it to be in a wide open space. Some people suffer from what is called general anxiety disorder: they can get an attack when exposed to a multitude of different circumstances.

There's a variety of medications on the market to alleviate these symptoms. They include tranquilizers, beta blockers and what is referred to as benzodiazepines. Some people get an anticipatory panic attack when they feel the attack is starting. This of course makes things worse. There are specific medication available to relieve this anticipatory panic. Other types of medicines focus on relieving the symptoms of the actual attack.

When you begin to experience panic symptoms and you know you are on the verge of a panic attack, try to remember that it's not 'real'. It's your body's alarm system that's malfunctioning. None of the fear that you experience is based on fact. These feelings won't kill you either - not even the rapid heart rate or the palpitations. Take a few deep breaths, sit down and wait for the symptoms to pass.

Treatment that does not require medication

There are several treatments for panic disorder and panic symtoms,that don't require medication.

Once such treatment is Panic Away.