Panic Attack Disorder Facts
By Mark B
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Here are some interesting panic attack disorder facts. A panic attack normally comes out of the blue. It’s one of the most terrifying experiences any person can go through, leaving you feeling shocked and distressed.
This is not your normal ‘stress’ or ‘anxiety’ or ‘feeling worried’ situation. It’s much more powerful than that, which most people can never
understand. They may think they’ve had it too, but it’s highly unlikely.
Generally, attacks last for several minutes. When it starts happening regularly, and if you start fearing the next one, you then have a panic or
anxiety disorder.Some Symptoms & Signs
Feeling dizzy & lightheaded
Breathing difficulty
Chest pains
Racing, pounding heart
Fear of dying
Fear of losing control
Fear of going crazy
Sweating
In the United States alone, it is thought that over 4 million people suffer from panic attacks. The numbers are probably higher. Many won’t even
know about it, as they go from doctor to doctor, only to be told they’re alright.
It’s estimated that 13% of the world has an anxiety disorder. That is a staggering statistic. That means 13 out of every 100 people have some
kind of anxiety disorder.
Most of the time, a panic attack hits a person in their late teens and early adulthood. When it starts to get worse, a sufferer starts avoiding
situations. This is known as agoraphobia, which is even more serious. You will end up with no quality of life.
One important panic attack disorder fact is that it does not ‘go away on its own’. Despite doctors telling you it’s not serious, or it’s in your head, it is here to stay. You will need proper treatment, or it can go on for years.Causes
Although highly researched, no one can confirm the causes. There is strong evidence that it’s biological. There is also strong evidence of
heredity. The only thing that can be confirmed is that it’s a genuine illness that requires help.Treatment
There are many effective methods available. These include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Alternate treatments like homeopathy
Self help such as The Linden Method
Support groups
Meditation
YogaHypnosis
Medication
Gradual exposure for agoraphobia
Flooding for agoraphobia
If you begin changing your thinking, this can lead to changing the way you react. Changing your reaction gradually forces the brain to react
differently. This makes the fear of panic attacks gradually disappear.
It takes a lot of big and little changes to get over anxiety disorders. Work on the subtle changes, things that won’t cause much anxiety and work your way up slowly.
For example, if you have panic attacks that are made worse by caffeine, slowly reduce it from your diet. Then move on to relaxation techniques such as deep breathing which requires time, effort and motivation.
After that, you could incorporate exercise into your routine. Time management is going to be a major factor. You’ll have to organize your life to fit in your therapy sessions.
It’s a slow process for most people, but you have to start somewhere. With a lot of changes and with proper guidance, you can make tremendous strides.
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Agoraphobia: How Did I Go From Panic Attacks To This?
By Mark B
Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful
The consequences of agoraphobia are astronomical. Most people do not realize the impact this disorder can have; unless of course they or someone they love suffers from it.
But how does agoraphobia start? What is it exactly? Let us begin by discussing panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of impending doom or intense dread that spring from nowhere.
The sufferer may be having a great time when suddenly she feels an intense and overwhelming fear. Her body reacts to that fear just as it would to any other extreme threat.
She may feel her heart pound rapidly, or feel as though she cannot breathe. Some people report having fears of dying or going crazy. There is an indescribable need to escape.
Obviously that is a very uncomfortable period of time. Sufferers often attempt to alleviate the discomfort by escaping the current surroundings. This can result in very awkward exists to say the least.
Additionally, the sufferer feels that everyone around is aware of her frustration and distress. Many fear making a spectacle of themselves. Overtime one learns to associate panic attacks with particular settings and situations.
Unfortunately, many people feel that they are safest at home, as being in open spaces, public places, or crowded places are apparent culprits. This is how panic attacks can result in agoraphobia.
The sufferer discovers that home is a safe zone so she begins staying there more and more. Overtime she slowly becomes increasingly more housebound. Some victims are virtual prisoners in their own homes.
Five percent of the American population suffers from panic attacks, and of that five percent one in three will develop agoraphobia. Panic attacks are said to be three times more common in women than men; but there is debate about that.
Some argue that the statistics are wrong due to the fact that women are more likely to seek treatment. Men reportedly are more likely to self-medicate with drugs and or alcohol. It has been suggested that society is more willing to accept dependency and avoidant behavior in women than in men and therefore this trend is perpetual.
The good news is that new techniques have been discovered to help people that suffer with anxiety disorders. If you are seeking a method that will work for you do not give up hope. Instead, continue exploring the available information; take it from a former panic attack victim, there is help available.
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Panic Attacks – What to Do About a Panic Attack?
By Mark B
Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful
When you experience a panic attack, your body goes into overdrive. Your body is sounding the alarm and your heart starts to race faster, your breathing becomes shallower and quicker and blood flows to the core of your body, leaving your extremities tingling.
These sensations can be overwhelming and often only serve to increase the anxiety you are suffering with. Your body is prepared to fight or flee; this is an ancient survival instinct that kicks in when we feel cornered, vulnerable or scared.
It is our body´s way of protecting us. These powerful sensations can´t simply be dismissed or wished away. They have to be fooled into thinking everything is okay even if your mind is telling you it´s not.
People who suffer from panic attacks have these episodes strike them at unfortunate times and in unfortunate places. The stimulus that is causing the intense reactions is usually something that wouldn´t spark such an intense reaction in non anxiety sufferers.
Panic attacks can be triggered by a meeting with the boss, speaking in front of others, meeting with your child´s teacher, going to the theater. There are so many reasons that someone might have an attack, it is important to examine your particular triggers. Is it crowded places, meeting with authority figures, or fear of embarrassment.
Once you understand your triggers, you can more effectively work towards conquering them.
What you don´t want to do is to avoid activities and people because of your panic attacks. Don´t put off that meeting with your child´s teacher for months because you don´t want to talk to her, don´t refuse a promotion because you know you will have to go to more speaking engagements. Avoiding activities because of your panic positions you to develop more severe anxiety problems.
There are many ways to deal with panicked responses besides medication. While prescriptions may be a solution for some people and some people have had great results with drugs like Paxil and Zoloft, many people don´t want to become dependent on prescription medications or deal with their potential side effects.
There are ways, non-prescription ways to deal with panic which may better suit the needs of some anxiety sufferers.
Exercise is always a good place to start; it releases natural endorphins and provides an outlet for worry and aggression. It can also be a great self esteem booster and help you feel better about yourself. In addition, you can learn and utilize various relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing. All of these are a good way to spread positive vibes throughout your mind and body, triggering your body´s natural relaxation response.
Another great way to deal with the negative effects of panic attacks is to redirect your negative thoughts into positive ones. This is a simple premise but it takes practice and work to execute effectively.
Essentially you are turning your thoughts away from obsessing on doom and gloom and all the potential things that can go wrong in a given situation to focusing on prior successes in similar situations or the positive outcomes that might be achieved. By actively and consciously changing your thought pattern, you will lessen the natural physical response that your body goes through when feeling panicked.
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Utilizing Support Networks To Overcome Panic Attacks
By Mark B
Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful
Too many victims of panic attacks keep their condition private for fear of embarrassment. They struggle with the internal conflict of phobias and fears in solitude. Unfortunately, this self-help philosophy rarely produces any measurable results because the patient does not have enough resources to succeed. A support network is vital to the success of panic attack treatment since it helps to keep the patient focused on the challenges. This support network can come in many different forms, but it is typically comprised of three groups.
Family
One of the most obvious places to turn for support is within the family structure. Parents and siblings are often the first people to notice the changing behavior patterns associated with anxiety disorders. Because of this, their feedback can be a valuable tool when panic attacks reoccur. Overcoming panic attacks can be a long journey with numerous setbacks and challenges, and the steadying influence of family support is vital to helping the patient succeed
Friends
Friends may not have a hereditary relationship with patient, but their strong bond and trust level often make them the first place patients turn for support. While it can be difficult to offer advice for a condition that many are unfamiliar with, friends should realize that just being there can be enough to help sufferers through the rough days. There are also group therapy situations that friends can attend, and these are not only therapeutic for the patient, but they can also help supporters learn more about panic attacks.
Doctors
Having panic disorder diagnosed by a doctor is an important stage of recovery. Not only does it help the patient come to terms with the issue, but it also allows the opportunity to explore treatment options. Doctors carry the responsibility of recommending targeted treatments for panic attacks, while also monitoring the techniques and adjusting when necessary. These more scientific tasks hold some of the keys to overcoming panic attacks, but the best results come when the support network works as whole.
It is possible to stop panic attacks from overwhelming the lives of its victims, but successful treatment usually requires a network of supporters. The obstacles of panic disorder can be numerous, which in turn increases the likelihood of failure or relapse. This is where a solid support network will provide the encouragement and reassurance necessary to succeed. But the first step in recovery is for the patient to learn how to control panic attacks, and that process begins at http://controlpanicattack.com
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Panic Attack at Work
By Mark B
Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful
Suffering from a panic attack at work can be very upsetting. When you’re at work, you might want to keep certain things private, but having a panic attack can ruin this for you.
The problem with panic attacks is that they can happen anywhere and at any time. NOTHING about panic attacks follows any logical rules. You can be stressed and still be fine; you can be relaxed and suddenly get one.
An employee can lose their confidence, perhaps under performs and also become extremely self-conscious of what their co-workers might be thinking. Panic Attack Sufferers Guard Their ‘Secret’
This is why panic attack sufferers want to keep this private and hope their ‘secret’ is never known. A panic attack can make this incredibly difficult. There may be an urge to escape.
Panic attacks can lead to panic disorder, which can lead to agoraphobia. This could result in being absent from work or worse, even lead to becoming unemployed.
Sufferers will go to extreme lengths to conceal their secret and will even resort to lying and making up excuses. This may eventually catch up with them and they may be let go.
This is why it is VERY important to do something about the problem, because, as mentioned, one problem can so easily lead to other problems, including depression.
It is a treatable condition, but it will require work. Only by working at the problem and practicing will you eventually get better. There are things that can also reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.Conventional And Alternative Treatments Do Work
Taking medication along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is very helpful. CBT requires your active participation, so be prepared to face the challenges.
There are many drugs available today, so one will be right for you. If something doesn’t work, tell your doctor so that you can go onto something else. There are many other treatment options too.
Panic Away and The Linden Method are two drug-free programs created by ex-sufferers. Thousands have used their programs to overcome their issues and live normally and free of fear.
If you’ve postponed looking for help but then suffered a panic attack at work, it’s time you did something. There’s no reason to keep suffering because you can get better.
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December 4th, 2009
