What You MUST Know About Anxiety Panic Attacks

Anxiety panic attacks are absolutely terrifying. A symptom of acute anxiety disorder, you feel absolutely gripped with fear, unable to think rationally and ruled by your ‘fight or flight’ reflex while you are suffering from an anxiety disorder panic attack.

While not physically dangerous in themselves, anxiety panic disorder fools you into thinking something is terribly wrong, causing you to ‘freak out’ (my affectionate term for anxiety and panic attack).

For many people who suffer from overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks can result, which then make them feel smothered and helpless to control their own lives. If you are dealing with these types of attacks or know someone who suffers from anxiety or panic attacks then you should take the time to find out as much information as possible in order to learn how to conquer the fear.

Fueled by anxiety, panic attacks can create a condition that is very complex and difficult to manage. Feelings of anxiety are one of the major triggers that lead to a full-blown panic attack. These attacks can be rare, but usually they occur repeatedly and the fear of a panic attack can be debilitating.

Typical Symptoms of Anxiety/Panic Attacks

When a person has anxiety panic attacks they may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Suddenly it seems that they cannot breathe and there is a feeling of dread and doom that overcomes them. The inward fear can be heightened by sensations of choking, nausea and chest pains.

Your heart begins to pound and race and this compounds the problems of dizziness due to shortness of breath and rapid respirations. In some instances these panicked feelings can be accompanied by abdominal cramping, cold sweats, flushed face, diarrhea or uncontrolled trembling and shaking.

Most people who have experienced the symptoms of anxiety panic attacks reveal that they feel as though they are going to die, or at the very least they fear they are losing their mind. The suddenness of the attack and the overpowering intensity of the symptoms sweep rational thought away and increase the emotional vulnerability of the person involved.

Duration of Anxiety/Panic Attacks

Most panic attacks only last for 15-30 minutes although some can last for an hour or longer. During one of these emotionally charged attacks the intensity reaches its peak during the first 1-3 minutes and then begins to slowly resolve.

Who is most likely to develop a Panic Disorder?

Although the majority of people who suffer from anxiety panic attacks are female, this disorder can affect men as well. Presently statistics reveal that approximately 75% of panic sufferers are women. Symptoms of anxiety panic disorders are more likely to be noted in young adults aged 20-30. This is the age range where these attacks usually begin but there are a few instances where teens or older adults develop a panic disorder for the first time.

Help and Treatment Options

There is help for people who must deal with anxiety panic attacks. Bio-feedback, hypnosis, prescription medications, meditation, counseling and self empowerment/awareness techniques are some of the methods now being used to manage and overcome panic and anxiety disorders. It is even possible to find a number of self help techniques that are now available for you to try in the privacy of your own home. No matter which treatment option you choose you need to remember that you can reclaim your life and overcome anxiety panic symptoms and attacks.

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