Let Us Stop Panic Attacks Now

Has there ever been an instance when you feel like losing your mind and you are out of self- control? In the event that you have gone through this, you are likely to have some panic or anxiety attacks. What basically are panic attacks? Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear characterized by an abrupt onset or attack. The attack only lasts for a short duration. It reaches a peak within 10 minutes and is over within a thirty minutes. However, it can be as short as 15 seconds yet can possibly last for hours.  There is inconsistency with the effects of these attacks on patients. Those who experience it for the first time may be in dire need for emergency services. They often think that they are suffering from heart attacks or nervous breakdown due to lack of awareness on this health problem. Panic attack is considered as one of the ordeals in one’s life because it causes many different unpleasant feelings in the body.

Panic attacks are characterized by a number of observable symptoms like palpitation, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, quivering and muscle tension. Sweating, blurry vision, feeling of choking, chest pain and nausea are few of its symptoms. Two states called derealization (feelings of unreality) and depersonalization (being detached from oneself) are also experienced by the patient. As the attack is on fire, he may feel the fear of dying and going insane. Numbness, chills or hot flashes, weakness in the knees, confusion, tunnel vision, blank mind and head pressure also indicate panic attacks. He also senses time going by very slowly and feels the need to escape and warmth inside.

What are the causes of panic attacks? There are several cited factors that cause it. The cause may be long- term or predisposing such as heredity. It can be caused by biological factors like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, etc. Phobias can also contribute to the development of anxiety attacks. If there are long-term causes, there can also be short- term ones like significant personal loss. Maintaining causes include lack of assertiveness, withheld feelings, erroneous beliefs and negative mindset. Sometimes, certain medications can result in triggered panic attacks like Ritalin or fluoroquinolone.  Withdrawal from alcohol, medication or drug can also help develop the attacks. Other causes consist of hyperventilation syndrome, pharmacological triggers and chronic/ serious illness.

There are a few ways to stop panic attacks. Get some sleep. A sleepless body is more susceptible to the development of panic attacks. During the occurrence of attacks, you must see to it that your brain functions at its best. It is essential for constant regulation of self and sustenance of self- control. Food sources rich in Vitamin B can be of great help to you. These foods include eggs, fish, legumes, nuts, brown rice, whole grains, green vegetable, etc. Another way to get rid of sudden anxiety attacks is to avoid putting yourself under pressure. It is best for you to give yourself ample time for rest.

There are also effective psychological therapies to prevent panic attacks like the combination of cognitive and behavioral therapies. Paper bag breathing may sound unpleasant for sufferers but it is a good immediate treatment. However, critics have said that this treatment even triggers the attacks since it is believed to fatally lower oxygen levels in the blood stream and increase carbon dioxide levels. Therefore, it is important to find out whether hyperventilation has any involvement in any case.