Panic Attack

A panic attack can happen at anytime. You could be at home, in your car, at the grocery, or virtually anywhere and researchers have yet to pinpoint the direct cause of panic attack symptoms. Some researchers believe the cause of panic attack symptoms is hereditary, while others believe stress or fear is the main cause. Although there is no defined cause of a panic attack, the symptoms remain the same in most every victim. Research has shown that a panic attack reflects the same symptoms as a life threatening experience.

A panic attack may cause a person to feel a sudden tightening of the chest followed by an extreme increase in their heart rate. The increased heart rate will then cause the person to feel nauseated and dizzy. The individual may even faint. Some people who experience the panic attack symptoms may even feel as if they are dying. These symptoms can last for anywhere from a few minute to a couple of hours.

There was a time when doctors looked at panic attack symptoms as an effect of stress or nerves. This misdiagnosis was then treated and the patient was sent on his/her way. Now, doctors may treat the panic attack with a medication schedule to help prevent any future attacks. Counseling may also be recommended. This will help a person understand the probable cause of a panic attack and also ways to handle an oncoming attack.

Medications Available for a panic attack

There are many medications on the market that will help with prevention or the cause of panic attack symptoms. Doctors have been prescribing anti-depressants such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil. These medications relieve the effects and sometimes eliminate the panic attack altogether. The medication helps to relieve the anxiety levels in a patient, which is believed to be a main cause of a panic attack. This medication will cause the patient to feel more relaxed and less susceptible to experience an attack.

Along with the medication, the doctor will more than likely refer you to a cognitive behavior specialist. Two different types of therapy can be experienced during a cognitive therapy session. The first session will concentrate on behavioral therapy and the other cognitive therapy. The cognitive therapy will help you realize the believed cause of a panic attack, and what may trigger or worsen your attack. The behavioral therapy will teach you different ways to manage the cause of a panic attack. Common behavioral exercises will involve relaxation techniques and concentrated breathing techniques.

The combination of these two therapies will help to prevent future attacks. A panic attack can be a very frightening experience and sometimes dangerous. Seek help and get to the root of the cause to avoid a future attack.