To answer what is a panic attack, one has to take into account the numerous definitions on an attack. One thing is for sure is that it can be the most frightening, upsetting and uncomfortable experience in a person’s life. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety, mounting fear, stomach problems, general discomfort and are associated with a variety of somatic and cognitive symptoms.

The onset of these episodes is typically abrupt and may have no apparent reasons behind it. Some research suggests that the symptoms of an attack usually last for about thirty minutes. They can also be of only fifteen seconds duration. But at times, the attack may form a cyclic series of episodes lasting for an extended period, some times hours. The afflicted person experiences anticipatory anxieties and limited symptom attacks in between the panic attacks.

An attack is often consciously linked to the fear of not being able to escape a bad situation. Many experiencing attacks feel trapped and unable to free themselves. The intensity of the anxiety varies from person to person. The first-time sufferers, at times, call for emergency services. They believe that they are having nervous breakdown or heart attack as they feel nauseated, faint, or lose control over themselves.

The most common symptoms include shivering and trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, hot and cold flashes, burning sensations and heart palpitations. Such physical symptoms are interpreted with alarm in many people the first time them experience them. Panic attacks can be distinguished from other attacks of anxiety by the intensity and the sudden yet cyclical nature. Some research indicates that panic disorders may be hereditary. Environmental factors such as overtly cautious view of the world expressed by elders / parents and cumulative stress have been found to be the reason.

Biological deficiencies or Vitamin B deficiency owing to inadequate diet can also trigger anxiety attacks. Often people experience panic as a result of exposure to phobic situations. Incidents of personal loss, significant life change or even the intake of stimulants like nicotine, caffeine or drugs can trigger an attack.

People who suffer from attacks can be successfully treated with therapy and anti-anxiety medicines or anti-depressants. Other treatments include diaphragmatic breathing that is slow breathing through the nose using the diaphragm and abdomen, acceptance and acknowledgment and floating with the symptoms as well as talking to supportive persons. Panic attacks are frightening but fortunately physically harmless. They can occur at random, peaking in intensity very rapidly and also can go away with or without medical assistance.

Some people may begin breathing rapidly but within an hour such symptoms fade away. However, people having repeated attacks require medical health check-ups. Often they indicate the presence of panic disorder, depression and other anxiety based disorders. For those people whose attacks are brought about by a known stimulus, it is better for them to avoid such stimuli. Behavioral therapy is an important part of treatment and in many cases such therapies are recommended.

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