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It can happen while watching TV, cooking or even sleeping. But the most dangerous type of occurrence is when it happens while a person is driving. We are talking about panic attacks, which are a common occurrence among people today. What with busy lives and little time for relaxation, it is imperative that they will get panicky at the drop of a hat.

A panic attack is basically a feeling of intense fear or anxiety about something. In most cases, the trigger of an attack is not known, so the frequency of attacks increases after the first time. It can happen at anytime during the day, hit you wherever you are or whatever you might be doing. Now, when this happens during the time when a person is already under a great deal of stress circa driving, then the situation becomes more complicated.

The signs of a panic attack are similar in all cases, even while driving. Most commonly, anyone having a panic attack will get cold, sweaty hands and feel dizzy. If this manifestation occurs while you are driving, the danger lies in the consequences. There are three most common albeit serious results of having a panic attack while driving. These are listed below.

The most disastrous consequence of having a panic attack on the road is accidents! Panic attacks often leave you confused and disoriented. Besides, the focus mostly shifts to the attack and the road is forgotten or at least put on the back burner. Basically, the attack seems more surprising and unbearable when compared with the same old driving route that you follow everyday! You can well imagine what this can lead to.

The term Freeway Avoidance is not a concocted one, we tell you. It actually means something. Most people suffering from a panic attack while driving start avoiding freeways like the plague. The reason is simple! The freeway is full of vehicles that are driving really fast just like you. More vehicles with more speed mean more chances of accidents. Having an attack bang in the middle of the freeway, consequences will be more disastrous. In fact, people who have had at least one panic attack while driving start using the lesser used roads and avoiding the main ones. They are never sure of when an attack will hit them. And, it's better to be safe than sorry.

The more serious type of fear that people suffering from panic attacks is the fear of driving. Actually, it is the panic attack that occurs while driving that you fear, not the driving itself, but some people do stop driving completely. Although, this only leads to more attacks because of the manifestation of a feeling of uselessness. Some people take the extreme measure of 'un-learning' their driving skills. With time, however, a feeling of worthlessness sets in and depression follows.

It is best to keep yourself updated about treatments related to panic attacks and choose one for you. You can either go for behavioral therapy or medication or a combination of the two.

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