 Free Online Articles Directory |
|||||||
Home Page  Health What is Panic Attack |
|||||||
 |
What is Panic Attack
Panic attack is a period of intensive fear that is often abrupt and is often a sign of mental and emotional distress. Panic attack is different from other anxiety disorders because of its sudden intensity and its occurrence in individuals. Often panic attacks are psychological conditions but may not be a sign of a mental disorder. At least in normal individuals, a panic attack may occur in a year particularly in persons with anxiety and phobias. As a result of a triggering factor, they are often short-lived and will subside once the triggering factor is eliminated. In some individuals exposed to a panic attack, one attack may trigger another leading to a nervous breakdown. Scientific studies point out to the imbalance of serotonin and norepinephrine as the culprits in the incidence of panic attacks where the neurological function is subjected to a chemical imbalance. Often genetics play a role in the disorder and has been found to run in families. Common symptoms include trembling, palpitations, and shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation and tingling sensations. Others develop a sense of being choked or smothered. In repeated and unprovoked panic attacks a sign or manifestation of a panic disorder may ensue. However panic attacks are also associated with other common anxiety disorders like in persons with phobias whose exposure to their feared object or scenario trigger an attack. Panic attacks are potentially disabling, but it can be controlled. The various symptoms of a panic attack are often mistaken as a cardiac attack or a life-threatening medical illness. This misconception often increases the incidence of future panic attacks. People often submit to the hospital emergency rooms when they are having a panic attack, and extensive medical tests are performed to rule out other conditions, which creates further anxiety. Treatment for panic attacks includes medications and psychotherapy. Normally the mental health practitioners assisting you in the treatment of panic disorder are psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers. To submit for a medical treatment for panic disorder however, one should visit a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy may be provided by a clinical or counseling psychologist. Medications can also be used to break any psychological connection between a specific phobia and panic attacks. Common medications prescribed are antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs in anticipation or during a panic attack. Under a combination of therapy and medications, the best results are often seen. For some, a fair improvement may be noticed in a short period of less than 8 weeks. Finding the right pair of medications and mental health professional takes more effort. Appropriate treatment by an experienced professional can often prevent panic attacks or at least reduce its severity and frequency. Other panic attacks caused by an underlying emotional problem like depression, alcoholism and drug addiction are more frequent in people with panic disorder. The underlying problem needs to be treated before the total panic disorder is completely or at least partially eliminated. Most less severe and less recurrent attacks submitted to the emergency rooms are advised to breath in paper bags to help boost the carbon dioxide levels in the body.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Tags: Anxiety, Panic Attack, Panic, Anxiety Relief Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-is-panic-attack-66006.html About the Author:
David Smith is the owner of Keyboard Books. You can find out more about Panic Attacks by going to http://www.panicattacks.keyboardbooks.com
Related ArticlesHow often do Panic Attacks Occur Are Panic Attacks Abnormal What are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks Which is better in Panic Attacks, Medications or Psychotherapy Depression, a Different Perspective Panic Attack- Making a Bad Situation Worse How to Reduce Anxiety and Panic Attacks? Self Care in Panic Attack Got a Question? Ask.Ask the community a question about this article:Frequently Asked Questions Anxiety Im pregnant with anxiety and stress. Change Dose Ixel (Milnacipran) help with social phobia? Will noni help with anxiety. How much do i need to ... Anxiety and medical help needed Q&A Powered by:
 Latest Health ArticlesHelp Your Child To Avoid Adult Health Worries Pesonal Training Tips That Will Allow You to Lose the Weight and Tone Up Quickly You Can Take Vitamins To Improve Your Cholesterol Over Weight Straight Shot To The Yoga Point Switch To HEPA Filters And Breathe Easier 3 Fat Loss Diet Mistakes That Could be Keeping You From Losing Stomach Fat The Number One Vital Secret About Facial Skin Care You Need! Part II Is Internet Porn Responsible for the Increase in Chlamydia? More from David SmithAre Panic Attacks Abnormal How often do Panic Attacks Occur Which is better in Panic Attacks, Medications or Psychotherapy What are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks |
|
|||||
|
Article Categories
|
|||||||
 Sign up for our email newsletterReceive updates, enter your email below
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (26.44, 16) |
|||||||
