Panic Attack Symptoms
This article will describe the symptoms of a panic attack, how to treat them, and what predisposes you to panic attacks. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The first panic attack symptom is excessive trembling, which is a natural response to a stressful situation. This trembling typically affects the hands and legs, but it should subside over time.
Symptoms of a panic attack
People who experience panic attacks experience a rush of adrenaline, which can make them feel as if they are about to die. Other symptoms of a panic attack include chest pain, gagging, and coughing. Despite their frightening nature, these symptoms are not necessarily life threatening. When experiencing the symptoms of a panic attack, you should try to focus on breathing slowly and steadily and remember that your breathing rate should return to normal in about 5 to 30 minutes.
A panic attack typically lasts anywhere from five to twenty minutes, depending on the severity of your condition. You may have just one panic attack, or you may experience multiple attacks in a short period of time. Often, these attacks are triggered by a stressful event.
Treatment of panic attack symptoms
If you suffer from panic attacks, you may be interested in learning how to treat them. Taking medication is one way to control your symptoms. Psychotherapy is another. Both of these options can help you to manage your symptoms and minimize their impact. However, treatment may take time. Fortunately, most people who suffer from panic attacks find relief from their symptoms and don't develop permanent problems.
Therapy for panic attacks focuses on changing the way that you think about certain triggers. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, teaches you to confront your triggers and respond differently to them. When combined with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce the number of panic attacks a person experiences. Antidepressants can also help control the symptoms of panic attacks. These drugs are known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and include venlafaxine and duloxetine. You can also try psychodynamic psychotherapy, which explores your past feelings.
If you have panic attacks, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. Many times, these episodes can mimic the symptoms of heart attacks. This is why many people with panic attacks go to the emergency room or to their doctor on multiple occasions. They are mistakenly convinced that they have a medical problem, and they rule out other possible causes. However, the fact remains that most panic attacks are not caused by a medical condition.
Predisposing factors to a panic attack
Panic attacks are frightening episodes that start suddenly and last for as long as a half hour. Some people experience these episodes only occasionally, while others experience them repeatedly, sometimes causing significant problems with family, friends, and jobs. For some people, panic attacks can occur once or twice a month. Others may experience them as frequent as every few days. People who suffer from these symptoms should seek professional help if they are unable to cope with the onset of symptoms.
Many genetic and environmental factors may play a role in the development of panic disorder. Although the exact causes of panic disorder are unknown, the disorder tends to run in families. Individuals with mental illness or substance abuse problems are at an increased risk of developing panic disorder. Many people with panic disorder also have a high risk of developing other mental health conditions.
