According to Paul Salkovskis, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Bath, it’s important to avoid letting your fears of panic attacks get the better of you.
A panic attack is a type of extreme fear that can cause severe physical reactions. It can be frightening, as it can occur without any apparent cause or danger. During a panic attack, you might think that you’re about to die, have a heart attack, or lose control of your body.
Although many people have only experienced one or two panic episodes in their lives, they can still develop a condition known as panic disorder if they have repeatedly been afraid of another attack.
Although panic attacks are not life-threatening, their effects can be frightening. Fortunately, treatment can help with this condition.
Some Causes of Panic Attack.
The cause of a panic attack or disorder is not known but the following factors may contribute;
- Major Stress
- Genetics
- Certain temparaments considered to be more sensitive to negative emotions and stres.
- A change in certain parts of the brain or the way certain parts of the brain of function.
Although panic attacks can appear suddenly and without warning, they can also be triggered by certain events.
According to some studies, the body’s fight-or-flight response is involved in the development of panic attacks. For instance, if a grizzly bear attacked you, your body would immediately respond by increasing its breathing and heart rate. However, it’s not clear why a panic attack would occur if there is no apparent danger.
Signs and Symptoms
A panic attack can start suddenly and without warning. It can happen at any time, and it can affect various aspects of your life, such as driving or sleeping.
Although panic attacks have many different symptoms, they usually peak within minutes. Below are some of the signs and symptoms;
Feeling of unreality or detachment
Numbness or tingling sensation
Dizziness
lightheadedness or faintness
Abdominal cramping
Chest pain
Headache
Chills
Hot flashes
Nausea
Sense of impending doom or danger
Fear of loss of control or death
Rapid, pounding heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat
What is panic disorder?
If you constantly feel anxious and stressed out about the possibility of experiencing a panic attack, then you may have a panic disorder. Individuals suffering from this condition may avoid situations that could trigger a panic attack.
When to see a doctor
If you experience these symptoms, then you should seek immediate medical attention. Although panic attacks are not considered dangerous, they can be very uncomfortable and can get worse without treatment.
The symptoms of a panic attack can also be similar to those of other conditions, such as heart attack. It’s important to consult a doctor if you suspect that you have a serious illness.
Prevention
To prevent panic attacks, try to practice calming breathing exercises at least once a day.
To improve your mood and reduce the likelihood of experiencing a panic attack, try engaging in regular exercise.
To avoid experiencing a panic attack, try avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine. These can increase the likelihood of having one.
Support groups are also helpful for people with panic disorders. They can provide you with advice and guidance on managing your attacks.
One of the most effective ways to manage your panic disorder is through cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy involves identifying and changing the negative thoughts that are contributing to your anxiety.
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