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PANIC ATTACK – CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT

Updated: Mar 21, 2021


Here we will understand What is a panic attack? What are the causes or reasons for the Panic Attack? What are the symptoms of a Panic Attack? What are the treatments for panic attacks or what can help?

A panic attack is a sudden fear that may include physical and psychological sensations like palpitation, sweating, shortness of breath, etc. Panic attacks may come without warnings or signals and may come out of nowhere unexpectedly. It may last for few seconds to even an hour, the duration of panic attacks may vary from case-to-case basis.

People sometimes misinterpret panic attacks as fear of heart attack. The duration and the intensity of panic attach may depend on several factors including how you deal with them, your physiological or psychological condition, lifestyle, etc. Panic attacks can be a terrifying experience, but they are generally not dangerous.


COMMON CAUSES

There could be several reasons for panic attacks like biological, environmental, social, psychological, etc. Some of the common causes of Panic Attacks are:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Or Stressors

  • Drug Abuse Or Addiction

  • Depression

  • Medical Problems

  • Social Phobia

  • Any Other Disorder or illness

Sometimes panic attacks can also be caused due to personal loss or grief that may include the death of a beloved one, financial loss, breakup from a romantic relationship, life or social transition, etc. Moreover, People can experience panic attacks due to exposure or confronting to any phobia or fear

COMMON SYMPTOMS

People may discover different symptoms during a panic attack however some of the most common symptoms experienced during a panic attack are:

  • Feeling Dizziness or nauseous or faint lessness

  • Increased heart rate

  • Sweating or change in body temperature or burning sensation

  • Heaving breathing or sensation of choking or suffocation

  • Chest pain or Heaviness on chest or palpitation

  • Difficulty in moving or feeling of losing control of the body

These symptoms can also be a symptom of any other condition or medication issues. It is recommended to seek further assistance from a trained, qualified, and experienced professional if you experience such symptoms.


TREATMENT – What Can Help You?

There are several ways to help yourself like

  • Change in lifestyles.

  • Healthy diet,

  • Reducing consumption of alcohol and caffeine,

  • Improving sleep routine,

  • Using breathing exercises to calm yourself,

  • Therapy, Counseling, Seeking professional help

Panic disorder can be effectively treated with a variety of interventions, including psychological therapies or counseling, or can be treated by medication.

Psychologists or therapists perform a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapy during counseling sessions that helps in restructuring the thoughts and reinforcing the realistic and positive way of viewing the panic attacks or symptoms. They also help you to understand the underlying causes of the panic issues and help you to learn some techniques like breathing techniques, muscle relaxation techniques, positive coping techniques, etc.


Online Counseling provides you a safe space to discuss your issues, thoughts, feelings without any judgment and helps you to conquer them. So, if you or someone you know are facing any such symptom, seek professional help or consult a psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, counselor or mental health experienced and trained professional.





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