by Melly Kenny

Created on: September 25, 2009   Last Updated: September 26, 2009

What is a panic attack?

Panic attacks are a serious condition. Tthe disorder is becoming better known each day. One out of every 75 people may experience an attack. Anxiety disorders will typically appear during the teenage years or early adulthood. While the exact causes are unclear, panic attacks have been linked to stress.

Traumatizing moments or changes of surrounding life could bring on panic and anxiety. Other studies have shown possibilities of "genetic inheritance" of the disorder. Panic attacks are fortunately physically harmless but can cause people to have frightful episodes. They can occur at random or after a person is exposed to trauma, uncomfortable moments, shock or other stressful situations. The causes of the attacks may sometimes not be obvious; they may only occur once in awhile. They can also occur frequently, as everyone is different.

Symptoms of a panic attack

- Sweating
- Hot flashes, or sudden chills
- Choking, distress, worry
- Dizziness or weakness
- Fear, fright, afraid, anxious
- An out-of-body feeling
- Fearful that you're going to go crazy or are about to die
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath (feeling you can't breathe)
- Shaking or trembling
- Chills or hot flashes
- Tingling or numbness in your hands, arms, feet or legs
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Racing heart beat (feeling of heart attack)

Symptoms of a panic attack normally last for about 15 to 30 minutes. Although the attack itself may only be 15 seconds long, it may take longer to calm down. Some panic attacks can last for much longer, up to hours even. Having a panic attack can be one of the most intensely uncomfortable, frightening and uncomfortable experiences.

HOW TO CONTROL PANIC A ATTACK:

1) Talk - Getting help from either a family doctor, counsellor or other professional is key. Your family doctor can assist you to cope with anxiety. Counselling can help you learn to express yourself. You can feel more in control and hold in less anxiety in.

2) Breathing - Lie down on a comfortable flat surface, such as a bed or couch. Make sure to try and relax while concentrating on breathing. Place one hand on your stomach, just above your navel. Place your other hand on your chest. Breathe in slowly and attempt to make your stomach rise a little. Hold your breath for a second, then breathe out slowly. Allow your stomach to go back down. Keep practicing the breathing exercise until anxiety decreases.

3) Relax - One of the best ways to control anxiety is by relaxation. Try and find a nice quiet place without distractions and concentrate. Allow your body to realize everything is okay, and that the attack will soon pass. Focus on only positive aspects in life and no negative. The more positive the outlook, the faster the attack will pass.

4) Avoid - Alcohol, smoking, drugs and caffeine as much as possible. All three of these "uplifters" actually promote anxiety. The body can become oversensitive when stimulated by the drugs. Most people assume they help calm the body, but in reality, they're causing more damage.

5) . Medication - Your doctor may prescribe an anxiety medication to help you cope. Every person is different, treatment will be tailored to your needs. Drugs can help with panic attacks and minimize the symptoms that occur.

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