What Are Panic Attacks - Read More About It

Many people are keen to know what are panic attacks because it's a problem that is experienced by people all over the globe. These panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear and overwhelming anxiety. For most sufferers, this happens out of the blue, without any warnings. A lot of times it is often mistaken as a heart attack because of the similarity of its symptoms. It is important for you to know what are attacks in order for you to seek treatment if you experience do them. This is because if panic attacks are not treated, then they can turn into panic disorder.

Occurrence of panic attacks can be a one time deal, but some do experience a few or more repeat episodes. Most of these recurrences are experienced when one feels like they are endangered somehow. People who have had repeat attacks have different ways of dealing with it. Some would withdraw from society usually out of fear or shame while others will seek help and treatment. Getting help is the best course of action to take in this situation.

To know what are panic attacks, you should know what are its signs and symptoms. Here are a few common things to watch out for:

- Pain in your chest or having a feeling of discomfort.
- Breathing very fast (hyperventilating) and also having shortness of breath
- You get sweaty or you feel the chills
- You tremble, sometimes just your hands or just your legs will shake, but some experience trembling of the whole body
- Some would faint or feel dizzy and lightheaded
- Others experience choking, or having a "lump in their throat"
- Your muscles will tense up, and often on the neck and upper shoulder part, you will feel pain because of tensed muscles.

The symptoms of these it usually last up to 10 minutes, but unfortunately for other people, some panic attacks last for a few hours. Some even occur during sleep which could be very distressing for many as they feel helpless and have no control of the situation.

Panic attacks are like an exaggerated physiologic and psychological response to normal stressors, but the cause is more on the psychological aspect. Treatment includes one or a combination of psychotherapy (typically behavioral therapy), some medications and self help. A combination treatment will usually give better results that choosing a single treatment.

The most popular self help method currently is The Linden Method which was recently featured on UK network television, this program reportedly has a very high success rate.

For those who suffered a panic attack and who wants to know more about what are panic attacks, it is best to go consult a physician and a psychotherapist so that they can help you understand more clearly and more extensively about this condition as well.