by WalkWithMe1948

Created on: May 24, 2008   Last Updated: May 28, 2008

There is usually a distinct 'trigger' or cause of a panic attack. When you feel very anxious about something your body may respond with a 'panic attack'. Some people will find it easy to recognize these triggers, but for others it may be more difficult. There are physical symptoms which people with panic attacks may have:

* Chest pain.
* Irregular heartbeat.
* Hard to breath.

* Dizzy.
* Numbness and tingling in arms and hands.
* Body temperature change.
* Thoughts of something bad happening.
* Worried about losing control.
* Feeling a need to escape.
* Sweating.
* Upset stomach and nausea.
* Trembling or shaking.

It can be quite difficult to describe to you what it feels like and how scare you will be. These symptoms may be different in any two people and symptoms can last for 10 minutes or even longer.

There are several options to choose from when seeking treatment from panic attacks. Some of the treatments are below:

* Medicine - This is the option that is most common for treatment. A person with panic attacks can be prescribed a medication such as an anti-depressant or an anti-anxiety medication. There are also other types of medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

* Deep breathing People dealing with panic can also learn to use deep breathing to help control the attacks. They are taught ways to breathe through their diaphragm instead of through the chest.

* Psychotherapy - This is a form of talk therapy which helps to make the fears that leads to the attacks less.

* Relaxation - People with panic attacks are taught different ways to relax. When they are relaxed the panic will leave.

* Hypnosis - There are a lot of people who do not want to take medication, so they turn to natural ways of treatment and one of these treatments is hypnosis. Hypnosis changes the way the body reacts to the mind.

* Nutritional supplements People worried about taking prescription drugs, can choose natural supplements. There are several herbal supplements and vitamins that have shown great results in the treatment of panic.

* Laughter - Many people use something simple such as laughing to treat panic attacks. The person can simply remember a time that made them laugh when they feel a panic attack starting. Laughter reduces the hormone levels that cause stress and anxiety. There is the saying "Laughter is often the best medicine". Very true!

* Counseling- This is a form of talk therapy where the person dealing with panic attacks can discuss what they are feeling and which thoughts are the trigger to panic attacks. Then they learn how to control those thoughts.

Combining two or more treatments is usually recommended. For example, only taking medication does not stop the thoughts that can trigger a panic attack.

Medication and some other sort of therapy can work wonders for stopping or controlling panic. If you are taking medications for treatment, ask your doctor before you try an herbal supplement as they can interact with each other and cause dangerous side effects.

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