Overview
Anxiety is a normal response to many events such as before you get married or prior to giving your first lecture as a professor. Your palms start to sweat and your heart races. Most people get past these moments of anxiety and learn how to cope with it in healthy ways, but for some people, sweaty palms and a racing heart means the beginning of an anxiety attack, also known as a panic attack.
Symptoms
When someone suffers from a panic attack, the person might feel as if he is having a heart attack. Usually, the person begins to feel anxious, which leads to feelings of dread and loss of control. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include trembling, trouble breathing, chills, hot flashes, nausea, stomach and chest pain, dizziness and difficulty swallowing.
Causes
Scientists and researchers haven’t found one specific cause of anxiety attacks. Usually, it’s a combination of factors that lead to this disorder. The Mayo Clinic reports that a combination of genetics, stress and brain irregularities can cause panic attacks. If you suffer from panic attacks, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out possible medical causes such as hyperthyroidism and hypoglycemia, according to Help Guide, a health information website.
Professional Treatment
If you suffer from panic attacks, the good news is that there is treatment that can reduce the occurrence of these attacks. Often, the combination of medication and therapy is recommended. Two types of medications used to treat anxiety attacks include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants are usually recommended over benzodiazepines, because benzodiazepines can be addicting and habit-forming. However, antidepressants can take up to four weeks to become effective. They don’t provide immediate relief like benzodiazepines.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy are two forms of therapy used in treating panic attacks and panic disorder. With the most common type, cognitive-behavioral therapy, the therapist would work with the client to assist her in understanding how her thoughts affect her emotions and behaviors. In exposure therapy, the therapist exposes the client to sensations of panic in a safe environment to help the client become familiar with the symptoms, according to Help Guide.
Self-Help
If you experience panic attacks, there are some things that you can do without the aid of a professional to decrease the chances of having more attacks in the future. Getting eight hours of sleep and regular exercise are two things you can start doing today to help yourself. Also, avoid caffeine, alcohol and illegal drugs and practice relaxation techniques on a regular basis.
Warning
Some people who suffer from panic attacks begin to worry about having them in public. They worry that they might not be able to get help and are embarrassed, so they avoid crowded locations such as public transportation and sporting events. The fear of having a panic attack in public can become so great that the person develops agoraphobia and refuses to leave his house. This can be extremely debilitating, so it’s important to not wait to get help.
About this Author
Michelle Bolyn is a licensed mental health professional and has worked since 2006 as a therapist. Bolyn has been writing mental health, wedding-related and relationship focused articles since 2007. She is published on Suite101.com and Examiner.com. Bolyn received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University.
