Panic Attack Disorder

In the world today, panic attack disorder affects four out of five adults. Panic Attack disorder can be mild or extreme. It depends on the person affected.

A panic attack can strike anyone at anytime. Those who suffer from panic attack disorder have learned to recognize the triggers and signs of an oncoming panic attack.

Some of the signs of an onset of a panic attack include; racing or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, lethargy, having perceptual distortions, an overwhelming sense of terror and fear of losing control. These are the major signs that a panic attack is about to strike.

Anxiety is not necessarily a bad thing. It is what alerts us of possible danger. Anxiety can make us more cautious in certain situations.

When someone has panic attack disorder, the anxiety is amplified into a life-disabling ordeal.

In severe cases, the person who suffers from panic attack disorder cannot leave his or her home without wondering if he or she is going to have an attack and where it will strike. Some cannot leave their homes at all.

Panic attack disorder can severely change the way a person lives. It can affect the way a person does his or her job and it often causes him or her to lose his or her job.

Medical researchers cannot determine what causes panic attack disorder. Some studies have suggested that panic attack disorder can occur after a life-threatening ordeal, while others believe that genetics play a big part. Panic attack disorder is a continuing topic of research in the medical community.

There are many medications on the market for panic attack disorder. They are available by prescription and can only be given after a medical diagnosis has been made.

Because it takes time for the medication to build up in the blood, it usually takes up to eight weeks for the medication to work properly. During this time, the person afflicted with panic attack disorder usually has sessions of psychotherapy as well.

The results have been astounding. People who have not stepped outside their homes in years are able to breathe fresh air and see the world around them.

When managed properly, panic attack disorder can be kept under control. With proper medication, the person afflicted can lead a normal, happy, productive life.