by Jenni Girouard

Created on: May 25, 2008   Last Updated: May 28, 2008

Panic attacks can occur at any given time to any given age group. Panic attacks can be defined as sudden distinct periods of extreme anxiety or fear. They are brought on when the anxiety or fear is introduced to a person through one of that person's panic triggers. Some of these triggers are life changes, anxiety, personal loss, caffeine, nicotine, drugs, obsessive compulsive disorder, heredity, stress, and post traumatic stress syndrome.

There are a several different kinds of panic attacks a few of which are anxiety panic attacks, panic attacks followed with hot flashes, and panic attacks induced by the fear of public speaking. Anxiety Panic attacks are brought on from an extremely stressful situation, and can disable a person instantly. Panic attacks followed with hot flashes can cause excessive sweating. Public speaking can bring on a panic attack because of the fear of large groups singled in on just one person. These Panic attacks can also cause excessive sweating along with the inability to speak.

Panic attacks are identified by many different symptoms. Some of these identifying symptoms are sweating, rapid heat beat, shortness of breath, the feeling of being trapped, nausea, chills, hot flashes, blushing, visible shaking, feeling of internal shaking, dizziness, chest pains, lightheadedness, fear of losing control, and the intense urge to urinate. Not all of these symptoms will be present in everyone who experiences a Panic attack. In fact, most Panic attacks are symptom specific for different people. One person might always feel light headed and trapped, while another person may feel like they cannot breath and that they are going to lose control.

It is recommended to keep a Panic attack journal. The person having the panic attack should write all of their triggers and symptoms in this journal after each episode. This journal will then be able to tell their health care professional exactly what needs to be treated. People who feel they are having a Panic attack should consult their primary care physician for diagnosis. Their health care professional will then direct them to the proper mental health professional.

Treatments for Panic attacks are common and usually start to work within three months. The first treatment is medication. There are a lot of new medications on the market that have proven very successful in most cases. The next step in treatment is to get to the root of the problem. Seek out a medical health professional and begin a psychotherapy session. Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and drugs can also go along way toward treating panic attacks. Any type of stress management can also be very effective.

People diagnosed with Panic attacks will need the support of their family and friends. This person's family can expect both good and bad days once the therapy has been started, with the good days gradually taking over a majority of the time. Family members should still expect the occasional Panic attack. There are many great classes and support groups for both the family and the person inflicted with the attacks. These classes and groups can help the family to learn more about the causes and treatments of Panic attacks. They will also teach the family how to be more supportive during a Panic attack.

Sources from the Internet: Wikipedia

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