Attack-Panic,Anxiety

Panic attacks are sudden, onset of intense anxiety, associated with a number of physical symptoms.Some of the more common symptoms include sudden intense anxiety or fear; sense of impending doom or disaster; sweating or trembling; pounding heart and chest tightness; shortness of breath.

A panic attack will normally last about ten minutes,Although,a panic attack can be as short as 1-5 minutes, more severe attacks may form a cyclic series of episodes, lasting much longer, sometimes hours.Panic attacks are a result of the "fight or flight" response, which is your body's way of letting you know that something is wrong.

In severe cases Panic attacks can lead to avoidance of situations that cause anxiety and result in an attack.This kind of avoidance can sometimes develop into an anxiety disorder called agoraphobia

                   

. Agoraphobia can come on suddenly or develop gradually.Agoraphobia is a disabling condition in which the person fears places that are dificult to escape from.In extreme cases, the person might never or rarely leave their home.Agoraphobia is usually treated in connection with panic disorder.

Medications sometimes used in the treatment of anxiety and panic attacks are called ssris they include citalopram (celexa), escitalopram (lexapro), fluoxetine (prozac, prozac weekly), paroxetine (paxil, paxil cr) and sertraline (zoloft). These medications are generally safe and have a low risk of serious side effects, ssris are normally recommended as the first choice in medication options to treat panic attacks.

Even though the risk of serious side effects from these medications are low in most people,depending on the medications prescribed and the patient,the side effects can be surprising and also quite disturing.Not to mention the fact that Ssris medications can be addictive.Some of the more common side effects include stomach upset, weight gain or loss, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction (such as impotence, decreased libido, and diminished orgasm), headache, jaw grinding, and apathy.A few of the more rare side effects are extreme agitation, impulsivity, tremors, and insomnia.

Because of some of the side effects that people experience while they are taking some of these medications.Many people are searching for alternative treatments,Most Panic attack treatments are very successful.Some of the more mainstream treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy (cbt) and exposure therapy.Cbt involves changing the way you think about the situations that trigger panic attacks,the goal of cbt is to help the person see their condition in a more realistic way.C.B.T also helps the person learn that nothing bad will really happen to them, when they are in situations where a panic attack occurs. Exposure therapy, on the other hand, puts the person into a safe and controlled situation that will most likely trigger a panic attack.The main goal of exposure therapy is to make the person less fearful of the situation with every exposure.
Some people have also turned to relaxation techniques like,mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and visualization. When practiced regularly.these relaxation techniques can be very helpfully in reducing the anxiety that can lead to a panic attack.

Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and relieve anxiety,Research has shown that as little as 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week can significantly relieve anxiety. To get the maximum benefit, try to include least an hour of aerobic exercise into you daily routine.

There are also some very interesting e-books and other types of information available online,with tips and techniques that may be worth looking in to.Just keep in mind that most of these types of information are not free and are like all other forms of treatment,(will not instantly cure your anxiety and panic attacks)It will take time, help and a lot of hard work to finally get through it.But it can definitely be done.