(c) 2008 Sandy Adamson

Before we dive into learning the different types of panic attacks, it may be worthwhile to first clarify the difference between anxiety and panic. In our daily communications, people tend to use these two terms interchangeably without realising their difference. Sure, these two have lots of in common with respect to their symptoms, but panic attacks usually last only a short while, though more intense. As a contrast, anxiety strikes you more gradually, is less intense, but lasts longer.

Based on whether a panic attack connects to a triggering situation and how it connects to such situations, panic attacks are grouped into three types:

1. Unexpected Panic Attacks

This type of attack is often associated with panic disorder. It occurs spontaneously without any clear reasons, and irrespective of whether you are relaxing or working. This means that we can hardly relate the occurrence of a spontaneous attack to any specific situation or place. As you may have seen in the movies, people can be awakened from sleep with this type of attack.

2. Situationally-bound Panic Attacks

As its name suggests, this type of panic attack is triggered by a specific situation. For example, if you fear flying or public speaking, exposure to these situations will result in immediate panic attacks. This ‘cued’ attack is rarely experienced in panic disorder.

3. Situationally-predisposed Panic Attacks

This type of panic attack is similar to the above one in that it is also triggered by a specific situation. However, the difference is that the attacks only sometimes occur and may not always occur immediately after exposure to the feared situation. For example, if flying is your feared situation, there are times when you take a flight without having a panic attack. However, in some other times, you do not suffer panic attack until you finish your journey for some while. In other words, you are predisposed to having attacks while taking flights, but the attacks are not a sure response to the fear of flying. People with panic disorder may experience this type of attack.

As you may probably understand, some panic attacks are just phobias over a particular event or place, but others may be truly medical conditions which you should take seriously. It is reported that approximately 19 million people in the United States are panic attack sufferers and they experience a variety of symptoms during panic attacks. Many, however, do not take panic attacks seriously or believe they deserve treatment as a medical condition. It is true that many people who have experience of panic attacks never have further episodes or complications. However, you should keep in mind that chronic occurrence of panic attacks can be a sign of panic disorder, which deserve immediate medical help. Quite often, major disorders could prevent a sufferer from pursuing normal daily routines.

With different types of panic attacks and their different levels of complications, various ways of medical interventions are used. Those commonly used ways of treament include traditional medicine, behavorial therapy, and alternative medicines. In many other instances, however, people are able to live with their panic attacks or use self-help techniques to get out of the situations.

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Today depression and panic attacks a very common for millions of people around the world. On average, fourteen million Americans suffer from major panic attack and depression. Three million Americans suffer from panic disorder. It is very common for those with major depression to also have panic attacks and elevated anxiety levels. Because panic can mimic other disorders, such as hypoglycemia, heart problems, asthma and many more serious conditions, sufferers who have not been diagnosed with panic disorder can feel afraid and tentative about their health.

If you are having panic attacks, but are unaware, and are also suffering from depression, then the two can aggravate the other until proper treatment is realized. As depression is another difficult illness to properly diagnose and treat, it is imperative to actively find treatment that works for you.

The Results of Panic Attack and Depression

People suffering from depression will feel bored, sad, hopeless, sluggish, alone and unloved. They may suffer from insomnia, and will have elevated anxiety levels. Because of this elevated anxiety, people with panic attack and depression will often experience panic attacks on a normal basis. When someone has more than one panic attack, they can develop a phobia towards the situation, or a fear to return to a specific place. Add in an already depressed view of the world, a worry that others find no worth in you, and you have a recipe for one miserable person.

Health care professionals are learning that the instances of panic attack and depression coinciding together are more common that thought. While not everyone who is depressed will have panic attacks, many people who suffer from panic may very well be depressed. There are certain SSRI antidepressants on the market today that are specifically recommended for use in treating anxiety along with depression.

Many people who suffer from depression do not know it. When someone who experiences panic attack and depression has a panic attack, it can be very frightening. Oftentimes, people in the middle of panic attacks feel like they are going to die, or that will lose their minds and “go crazy”. This can prevent some from seeking treatment, as they do not understand what is happening to them, and fear the worse.

When the panic attack is over and the sufferer feels normal again, they may not think anything of it until it happens again. Many people who suffer from panic attacks do not realize that they are not alone. A person who is experiencing panic attack and depression may feel especially overwhelmed and will aggravate the situation by worrying and inflating the scenario in their mind. They may feel hopeless to the point where they cannot see how treatment would be effective.

Treatment for depression with panic attacks is available and very effective. Through any combination of medication, cognitive-behavior therapy and relaxation techniques, sufferers can gain control of their lives back.

The first thing you always want to do is see your doctor and discuss the symptoms and trouble that you are having. Your doctor will get you on your way to resolving your trouble.

Feel free to visit some of my sites Stop Panic Attacks and Stop Anxiety Attacks

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Panic attacks can have a significant impact in your life and can even interfere with your work and social relationships.  They can range from mild to debilitating, preventing you from going out and doing the things you normally did.  They can also place a dent in your self-esteem.  It is important that you know how to control panic attacks. If you want to conquer your panic attacks, here are some tips on how to control panic attacks:

Find the trigger.

All panic attacks have a trigger.  Find out what yours is . Panic attacks usually occur during times of stress or times when you feel helpless or confined.  Closed spaces and small quarters, for example, can trigger a panic attack.  So will the thought of facing a group of people whether for a meeting, presentation or public speech.

Learn to find the pattern of occurrence of your attacks and you\’ll be better at predicting them.  If you know what causes your panic attacks, you can better prepare for them before they occur and be able to control panic attacks and your negative feelings.

Learn relaxation techniques.

Relaxation techniques help train the mind to control itself in situations where panic attacks usually occur.  By learning to relax, you teach your body to follow your mind and control panic attacks.

Learn meditation or self-hypnosis, which are both effective for helping you clear your mind and reduce muscle tension and heart rate. They also work well with helping you gain better control of your breathing and your reactions in case of another panic attack.  Practice these techniques for at least 20 minutes everyday to control panic attacks.

Learn to breathe properly.

Breathing is the key to learning how to control panic attacks.  Learn the proper technique by lying on a flat surface or sitting on a chair.  By keeping your spine straight and closing your eyes, picture your diaphragm as your center.

Place a hand over the area and draw in a breath slowly, using a count of 5 and then breathe out slowly.  Repeat this for at least 20 times until you find your rhythm and your body begins to relax.  During this exercise, think of being in a peaceful and safe place and repeat to yourself reassuring statements such as, \”I am in a safe place.  Nothing will harm me.  There is no danger to my person.  I am safe.\”

Next time a panic attack threatens you, use this breathing technique to calm yourself.  Regardless of where you are, remember this technique and use it to control panic attacks.

Check your diet.

Diet plays a big part in making you more susceptible to panic and anxiety attacks.  Certain foods like caffeine, salt and nicotine for example, should be taken in moderation.  Caffeine and nicotine are known stimulants and can increase your nervousness and agitation while salt hinders the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Get enough sleep.

If you suffer from panic attacks, make sure you get a good rest every night.  If your body is well rested, your mental and physical abilities are more in tuned to each other when you wake up. You are less likely to react without thinking or give in to panic attacks if you\’re refreshed and feeling in control.

See a doctor.

If your panic attacks are severe, it might be time to seek professional help to control panic attacks. Some symptoms can be too much even for you to handle, in which case you might benefit from prescription medication or even professional counseling to control panic attacks. Don’t be afraid to seek help. You are not alone in your condition and there are a lot of sources you can turn to for assistance if you will only ask.

If you have tried everything and spend a fortune to control panic attacks and yet found no cure, don’t despair. Did you know that you can free yourself from panic attacks today? Regardless of what you have been led to believe acute anxiety and panic attacks can be cured in easy-to-follow steps without any medication using a revolutionary new technique. Put an end to your panic attacks today visit Cure Anxiety and Panic Disorder

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Panic disorder is a common condition in which a person has episodes of intense fear or anxiety that occur suddenly. Panic attacks can indicate the presence of panic disorder, depression, or other forms of anxiety-based illnesses. A panic attack typically lasts for several minutes and is one of the most distressing conditions that a person can experience. Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep. An attack generally peaks within 10 minutes, but some symptoms may last much longer. At least 1.7% of adult Americans, or about 3 million people, will have panic attacks at some time in their lives. Panic attacks may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder. These attacks are a serious health problem in this country. About 5% of the population will experience panic attacks during their lifetimes. There also appears to be a connection with major life transitions such as graduating from college and entering the workplace, getting married, and having a baby. Severe stress, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can also trigger a panic attack.

More women than men are affected by panic attacks. Some people are affected by frequent panic attacks, a condition known as panic disorder. A panic attack is a response of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The most common symptoms may include: trembling, dyspnea(shortness of breath), heart palpitations, chest pain (or chest tightness), sweating, nausea, dizziness (or slight vertigo), light-headedness, hyperventilation, paresthesias (tingling sensations), sensations of choking or smothering. Many of the symptoms that occur during a panic attack are the same as the symptoms of diseases of the heart, lungs, intestines or nervous system. The similarities between panic disorder and other diseases may add to the person’s fear and anxiety during and after a panic attack. Heredity, stress and certain biochemical factors may play a role. Several medicines can make panic attacks less severe or stop them altogether. Paroxetine (brand name: Paxil) and sertraline (brand name: Zoloft) are antidepressant medicines that have been approved by the U.S.

Medications from the beta blocker family (for example, propranolol) are sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms associated with a panic attack. Antidepressants are very effective in preventing anxiety and panic attacks. Antidepressants will not make you lose control or change your personality. These medicines can be used for as long as necessary, even for years. Alprazolam and clonazepam (brand name: Klonopin) are also medicines approved by the FDA to treat panic disorder. These medicines give relief from fear and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people learn to deal with panic symptoms, using techniques like muscle and breathing relaxation. Antidepressants, such as Tofranil, often help reduce anxiety and the frequency and severity of panic attacks. Psychotherapy offers support and helps to minimize the fearfulness of symptoms, and sometimes is sufficient to clear up the disorder.

Panic Attack Treatment Tips

1. Alternative treatments like meditation and relaxation therapy are often used to help relax the body and relieve anxiety.

2. Psychotherapy offers support and helps to minimize the fearfulness of symptoms, and sometimes is sufficient to clear up the disorder.

3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people learn to deal with panic symptoms, using techniques like muscle and breathing relaxation.

4. Antidepressants, such as Tofranil, often help reduce anxiety and the frequency and severity of panic attacks.

5. Benzodiazepines – These anti-anxiety drugs act very quickly.

6. Antidepressants have been shown to reduce or eliminate panic attacks.

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Panic attacks are frightening but fortunately physically harmless episodes. Panic disorder is a common condition in which a person has episodes of intense fear or anxiety that occur suddenly. These episodes–called panic attacks–can last from minutes to hours. They may occur only once in a while, or they may occur quite frequently. They can occur at random or after a person is exposed to various events that may “trigger” a panic attack. Panic disorder sufferers usually have a series of intense episodes of extreme anxiety, known as panic attacks. These attacks typically last 10 minutes however can be short lived- 1-5 minutes as well. Some individuals deal with these events on a regular basis—sometimes daily or weekly. The outward symptoms of a panic attack often cause negative social experiences. As a result, as many as 36% of all individuals with panic disorder also have agoraphobia. At least 1.7% of adult Americans, or about 3 million people, will have panic attacks at some time in their lives. Panic attacks are a period of intense fear in which 4 of 13 defined symptoms develop abruptly and peak rapidly less than 10 minutes from symptom onset.

Some people are affected by frequent panic attacks, a condition known as panic disorder. Panic disorder is thought to be inherited for the most part. People experiencing panic attacks may fear they are dying, that they are suffocating, or that they are having a heart attack. Panic attacks can indicate the presence of panic disorder, depression, or other forms of anxiety-based illnesses. About 5% of the population will experience panic attacks during their lifetimes. A person experiencing a panic attack may believe that he or she is having a heart attack or that death is imminent. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Panic Disorder can continue for months or even years, depending on how and when treatment is sought. There is also some evidence that many individuals may experience a cessation of symptoms naturally later in life. Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep. Panic attacks are treated with reassurance and relaxation techniques.

Most people get better with treatment. Panic Disorder is real and potentially disabling, but it can be controlled and successfully treated. People frequently go to hospital emergency rooms when they are having panic attacks, and extensive medical tests may be performed to rule out these other conditions, thus creating further anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) have also been used, but many individuals experience side effects that are difficult to tolerate. Exposure to the phobia trigger multiple times without a resulting panic attack (due to medication) can often break the phobia-panic pattern, allowing people to function around their phobia without the help of medications. Most stimulant drugs (caffeine, nicotine, cocaine) would be expected to worsen the condition, since they directly increase the symptoms of panic, such as heart rate. Stress-relieving activities such as tai-chi, yoga, and physical exercise can also help ameliorate the causes of panic disorder.

Panic Attack Treatment Tips

1. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) have also been used.

2. Exposure to the phobia trigger multiple times without a resulting panic attack.

3. Stress-relieving activities such as tai-chi, yoga, and physical exercise can also help ameliorate the causes of panic disorder.

4. Avoid stimulants, such as nicotine and caffeine, which can be found not only in coffee, but many teas, colas and chocolate.

5. Psychotherapy offers support and helps to minimize the fearfulness of symptoms, and sometimes is sufficient to clear up the disorder.

6. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people learn to deal with panic symptoms, using techniques like muscle and breathing relaxation.

7. Antidepressants, such as Tofranil, often help reduce anxiety and the frequency and severity of panic attacks.

8. Meta-analyses13-15 support the efficacy of CBT in improving panic symptoms and overall disability.

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Panic attack is a period of intensive fear that is often abrupt and is often a sign of mental and emotional distress.

In some individuals they appear without apparent cause and most often the distressed individual reports loosing control of oneself. Often they are provoked or triggered by a sense of trying to escape from someone or from the place where the attack started. Although in normal cases, the individual when subjected to a stimulus often resorts to a fight syndrome as a form of protection, in panic attacks, the individual employs the flight syndrome. Often episodes of panic attack come with chest pain and shortness of breath with a tunnel vision even after seeking medical advice or attention.

Panic attack is different from other anxiety disorders because of its sudden intensity and its occurrence in individuals. Often panic attacks are psychological conditions but may not be a sign of a mental disorder. At least in normal individuals, a panic attack may occur in a year particularly in persons with anxiety and phobias. As a result of a triggering factor, they are often short-lived and will subside once the triggering factor is eliminated. In some individuals exposed to a panic attack, one attack may trigger another leading to a nervous breakdown.

Scientific studies point out to the imbalance of serotonin and norepinephrine as the culprits in the incidence of panic attacks where the neurological function is subjected to a chemical imbalance. Often genetics play a role in the disorder and has been found to run in families.

Common symptoms include trembling, palpitations, and shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation and tingling sensations. Others develop a sense of being choked or smothered. In repeated and unprovoked panic attacks a sign or manifestation of a panic disorder may ensue. However panic attacks are also associated with other common anxiety disorders like in persons with phobias whose exposure to their feared object or scenario trigger an attack.

Panic attacks are potentially disabling, but it can be controlled. The various symptoms of a panic attack are often mistaken as a cardiac attack or a life-threatening medical illness. This misconception often increases the incidence of future panic attacks. People often submit to the hospital emergency rooms when they are having a panic attack, and extensive medical tests are performed to rule out other conditions, which creates further anxiety.

Treatment for panic attacks includes medications and psychotherapy. Normally the mental health practitioners assisting you in the treatment of panic disorder are psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers. To submit for a medical treatment for panic disorder however, one should visit a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy may be provided by a clinical or counseling psychologist. Medications can also be used to break any psychological connection between a specific phobia and panic attacks.

Common medications prescribed are antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs in anticipation or during a panic attack.

Some psychologists believe that usual exposure to the phobia trigger with medical assistance can often break the phobia-panic pattern, allowing people to gradually adjust to the stressor without the help of medications. However, minor phobias that develop as a result of a panic attack can be prevented without medication through behavioral therapy or simply by assisted exposure.

Under a combination of therapy and medications, the best results are often seen. For some, a fair improvement may be noticed in a short period of less than 8 weeks. Finding the right pair of medications and mental health professional takes more effort. Appropriate treatment by an experienced professional can often prevent panic attacks or at least reduce its severity and frequency.

Other panic attacks caused by an underlying emotional problem like depression, alcoholism and drug addiction are more frequent in people with panic disorder. The underlying problem needs to be treated before the total panic disorder is completely or at least partially eliminated.

Most less severe and less recurrent attacks submitted to the emergency rooms are advised to breath in paper bags to help boost the carbon dioxide levels in the body.

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