Managing Panic Attacks

An individual is diagnosed with panic disorder when 2 or more episodes of panic attacks have been experienced. Managing panic attacks requires an understanding of the disorder, first and foremost. If someone has a perpetual fear that they will suffer from another attack, then this is  another indication of panic disorder, in addition to avoiding certain places or frequently worrying about death or losing sanity when experiencing an attack. For example, is someone is afraid of flying in an airplane, they may have a panic attack upon entering the airport, or even worse, when simply think about a flight. The intensity of the attach would then increase when the individual starts worrying about the next attack.

Agoraphobia is a specific type of condition characterized by a fear of having a situational panic attack in a place from which it becomes difficult to escape. For example, someone might be terrified to leave home because they have a phobia of the public or not having an easy way to get back home in case of symptoms emerging. Basically, its a type of avoidance behavior motivated by pnemonic fear. Even situations and activities can provoke an attack, especially when coupled with the perceived lack help or support. The term Agoraphobia comes from the greek root "agora", which means an open market-place. Embarrasing situations have also been known to trigger agorophobia, therefore, a key aspect of managing panic attacks is to avoid such situations.

The sufferer of agorophobia withdraws from geographic movement and especially from place where they feel the most vulnerable. There are essentially 2 types of triggers, which include external or internal stimuli. External stimuli may be an image or sign of some sort, while internal stimuli can be a psychological or physiological arousal. In some cases, the sufferer cannot identify the specific external trigger causing the attack, although a therapist may be able to identify it.

A major cause for anxiety and panic attacks is medication, such as the type taken for asthma and other medical conditions that are unrelated to anxiety. Other causes include physical illnesses and stressful life situations. In reality, the causes aren't known very comprehensively, since these types of attacks are generally the body's way of coping with an overwhelming feeling. Psychological realignments can therefore be a great aid in managing panic attacks.

SOme of the symptoms that the suffere will experience include shortness of breath, dizziness, pain or tightness, sweating, chocking and heart palpitations. Most people experience shortness of breath because they body is wanting more oxygen in anticipation of the physical exertion that is accompanied with an attack. Although the symptoms may seem severe, it is nearly impossible to die or lose sanity.

The two most common methods of dealing with panic and anxiety are medications and breathing techniques. Breathing techniques tend to offer a temporary solution, while medication should only be used as a last resort due to harmful side-effects. Managing panic attack is not an easy task by any means, and it requires the use of holistic methods that may not always be common knowledge.

==>> Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks

==>> Coping with Panic Attacks

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