by T. Guy Carlisle

Created on: May 15, 2010

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 6 million American adults, 18 and older, suffer from panic disorder. This number does not include the estimated 40 million who suffer from various anxiety disorders, in which many are also accompanied by panic attacks. Many people consult their physician soon after their first attack, believing they were having a heart attack or stroke. Though panic attacks themselves are harmless, it is important you do so in order to know how to begin treatment.

First we must define the term "panic attack". A panic attack is no more than exaggerated stress symptoms in the body. For example, if you found yourself in a dangerous situation, your heart-rate would speed up as a result of adrenaline. This is to prepare your body for the fight or flight response. Much is the same for a panic attack except there is no real threat present. This is important to understand since it reminds us that we are not in harm. The sensations cannot hurt us, they're meant to help us.

Other symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

Nausea
Trembling/Shaking
"Blurry" vision
A change in hearing
Tingling sensation in arms or extremities
Sweating
Racing thoughts
Shortness of breath

Claire Weekes, author of the self-help book, "Hope and Help for Your Nerves", explains that a panic attack consists of two fears. The "first fear" is the initial onset of anxiety. Many sufferers describe this as a rush of adrenaline usually accompanied by a sense of dread. Typically, when the sufferer experiences this initial rush of fear, they in turn draw back in fear, producing more adrenaline to fuel the first. This is called the "second fear", it is also the only one we actually have control over. In order to begin controlling the attacks, one must learn to let the first sensations pass without adding your own resistance to them. Realize these sensations are just sensations. They cannot hurt you and if you do not react they will go away. By doing this, you provide nothing your body can use against you, therefore avoiding an attack.

In order to fully overcome panic attacks, you must be willing to take your time. After you have begun to successfully prevent your panic attacks from reaching their full potential, you will gradually become desensitized to the thought of having them. In other words, you will think about them less and less until your overall fear of them diminishes. The problem with this though, is that during this period of recovery there may be a panic attack that catches the sufferer off-guard. This could lead to a relapse if not handled properly. The main point here is to be patient. Claire Weekes likens this to a broken leg, give it time to heal.

In addition to the points listed above, it may be wise to consult a doctor that specializes in psychotherapy. Dr. David Burns M.D. explains in his book, "When Panic Attacks", that studies have shown the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to anxiety disorders, as well as cases of depression can be a highly effective treatment. Medications can also be prescribed for short-term relief, though it can be argued that they deprive you of developing the essential coping-skills needed for long-term wellness. This, however, is a personal choice that should be made under the guidance of a licensed psychiatrist. There are options, but more importantly, there is hope for sufferers of panic attacks.

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