Causes of Panic Attacks -- What They Are and How to Deal with Them
 |
Panic attacks are defined as severe episodes of severe anxiety that last for several minutes and happen on an intermittent or regularly occurring basis. Symptoms of panic attacks include rapid or irregular heartbeat, profuse sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, intense fear, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, trembling, hot or cold flashes, and an overall feeling of losing control. Panic attacks are frightening and unpleasant, and can affect every aspect of a sufferer's life.
There are many theories regarding the causes of panic attacks. One factor that seems to make a difference is heredity. Often, people who have a history of panic disorder in their families experience the disorder themselves. Other causes are external in nature and include traumatic life events, extreme thinking that causes a shift in bodily functions, certain medications and even conditions like hypoglycemia. While you will need to see your doctor or psychiatrist to determine a panic disorder diagnosis and the underlying cause, there are some lifestyle changes that can sometimes help alleviate your symptoms.
Some simple changes include diet and exercise. By eating healthy foods at regular intervals during the day, you can help regulate blood glucose. And by making smart choices, you can consume foods that boost serotonin levels and encourage a feeling of well being. On the other end of the spectrum, there are foods that can make the problem worse. It's wise to steer clear of too much sugar, white flour, or heavily processed foodstuffs and stick to foods like vegetables, lean meat, whole grains and lowfat dairy. Exercise can also be helpful in boosting the feel-good chemicals in the brain and relieving stress. Even something as simple as a 30 minute walk three times a week can make a difference.
Behavior modification can also help to lessen the duration, severity and occurance of panic attacks. By recognizing your individual anxiety triggers and choosing to respond in a different way, you can sometimes prevent or lessen panic attacks. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises can also usually provide some relief.
However, some people find that diet, exercise and behavior modification just doesn't work for them. If this is the case for you, then your doctor may decide to put you on medication. It's important to follow all of your doctor's instructions and take the medication exactly as directed. Normally, medication is given in conjunction with counseling or therapy and is often a last resort when all other treatment methods have failed.
Copyright 2006 Frances Coleman - All Rights Reserved
| Health Freak: Eliminate Anxiety and Panic Attacks For Good A panic attack always comes with the acute sense of impending doom. You feel you are either about to lose your mind or one of your vital bodily functions is about to cease functioning and you will end your days right there among the ... | ||
Deep breathing can ease anxiety, panic attacks - Florida Times-Union
| ||
Anxiety and Panic Attack - Do You Experience Panic Attacks - How . There is a good side of anxiety and a bad side to it. Anxiety is not always debilitating. In some cases, a little anxiety is a good thing. It encourages us to take the leap or get the... | ||
A panic attack over healthcare tab - Los Angeles Times
| ||
Time to draw up a better plan of attack against H1N1 - Globe and Mail
| ||
Fear of Crowds? When You Need Help for Anxiety - U.S. News & World Report
| ||
Advice for Overcoming Panic Attacks | Improve Memory Panic attacks all have familiar symptoms that are instantly recognizable by anybody who has experienced a panic attack before. Some of the common symptoms are breathlessness, tingling sensations, fear of losing control, rapid heart rate ... | ||
When anxiety attacks - how to support a partner - Examiner.com
| ||
Ask us: What should I do to stop panic attacks? - Kansas City Star
| ||
How To Separate Panic Attack From An Anxiety Attack Panic attack can sneak up on a person like stealth, bring on an intense and overwhelming feeling of fear and then dissipate. Those who have experienced it for the first time are at a loss to explain what they just went through and will ... | ||
Characteristics of a Panic Attack | Information about Herbalife Characteristics of a Panic Attack. . Recent Posts. Characteristics of a Panic Attack · Boot Camps for endurance · Lose Belly Fat in Just Minutes · Herbal Life Products · Anabolic steroids in baseball ... | ||
Fun Times with Panic Attacks and being without Health Care - Daily Kos
|
Technorati Tags: Panic Aattack, Causes of Panic Attacks -- What They Are and How to Deal with Them, Causes Of Panic Attacks
|
- Panic Attack
- Panic Attack Disorder
- Signs Of A Panic Attack
- Causes Of Panic Attacks
- Anxiety Attack Symptoms
- Attacking Anxiety And Depression
- Anxiety Panic Attack
- Controlling Panic Attacks
- Nocturnal Panic Attacks
- Cures For Panic Attacks
- Panic Attack Drugs
- Overcoming Panic Attacks
- Panic Attack Medications
- Panic Attack Symptoms
- Panic Attack Medicine
- Panic Attacks And Pregnancy
- Panic Attack Treatments
- Stopping Panic Attacks
- Panic Attack Forums
Social Bookmark This