Main Causes Of Stress

The symptoms of a panic attack are so closely related to many other troubles and conditions that many people have little or no idea what truly defines a panic attack. What is a panic attack is a common question and the answers you receive may not be as clear cut as you would like them to be.

The Symptoms of Panic

Panic attacks have symptoms that are related to the diagnosis of the problem. These symptoms are often emotional and mental in nature, but often include physical problems as well. To define, what is a panic attack, you must define the symptoms that are related to the trigger causing the symptoms.

A trigger is an person, place, thing or event that causes a spark, if you will, in the person who suffers from a panic attack. This trigger is the beginning point of the attack. For some, they are very aware of what those triggers are and their bodily reaction to those triggers. For others, the trigger is something that is unknown to them (consciously) and therefore even more scary for those who want to know what a panic attack is.

The symptoms that happen after the trigger has set off a reaction, are varied and can range from a mild case of breathlessness to severe heart attack like pains. Due to the close nature between the symptoms of a panic attack and the symptoms of a heart attack, the first panic attack will certainly lead you to the hospital and rightfully so. There is not way to tell them apart without an EKG. And, a panic attack can lead to a real heart attack if left untreated.

So, What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is the bodies mental reaction to something that causes great anxiety. This mental reaction is a windfall in that the effects of the panic will start out small and grow over time as long as the person stays in the same condition or thought. This mental reaction often can not be stopped by the person, but, can be treated over time.

Suffering from a panic attack for the first time will certainly bring up two questions. What is a panic attack and how do I stop them from happening? Take care to notice the first instances you experience the symptoms. If you are ever unsure, go to the hospital immediately as a heart attack will need to be treated within 30 minutes and the body reactions are so similar, there is no room for self diagnosis.

A brief definition of what panic attack disorder is involves the occurrence of repeated panic attacks. These attacks come on suddenly and paralyze the person with an overwhelming sense of fear. Besides a psychological aspect, this disorder also presents disturbing physical symptoms. Because of all these elements, the end result is that panic attack disorder closes in a person’s world. Many people who suffer from this condition choose to become housebound rather that risk another attack. But understanding what panic attack disorder is can lead to a life of freedom.

What Is Panic Attack Disorder?

First of all, the types of feelings experienced in a panic attack are very different that those felt during a “normal” period of stress. There is usually no easily recognizable reason why a person experiences a panic attack. It comes on suddenly and intensely. The immediate symptoms are an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety.

The physical symptoms can include rapid breathing, a racing heart, dizziness, nausea or trembling. Within seconds the person is completely absorbed by the intensity of the panic attack and is unable to resume normal movements or thinking. The term “panic attack disorder” is what is applied to this condition. The person will experience repeated attacks, followed by time periods in which their thoughts are always focused on whether they will have another attack. Eventually, they will stop normal activities and limit their travel.

There seem to be several factors that may lead to a diagnosis of panic attack disorder. Family history appears to play a part in determining if a person is likely to develop this disorder. Substance abuse and a major stress event in a person’s life may also trigger this condition. Some doctors feel that there is an abnormality in the brain that contributes to this condition. However, panic attacks can be successfully managed with proper treatment.

What Panic Attack Disorder Is Not

Panic attack disorder is not life threatening. However, it should be noted that the physical, heart-related symptoms of an attack do put additional stress on the heart muscle. For this reason, it’s highly advised that a person suffering from panic attack disorder get this condition to a manageable state. Additionally, panic attack disorder is not “only in your mind”. There appears to be very real biological and environmental factors that cause this disorder. Don’t hesitate to seek treatment for this condition. The sooner you have it under control, the sooner you will experience a sense of freedom. Over 2 million Americans suffer from panic attack disorder. You are not alone.