What Are Panic Attacks?
A panic attack can be described as a sudden, seemingly unprovoked feeling of anxiety and heightened fear. Previously believed by the medical and everyday world to be a symptom of stress or nerves, it is now acknowledged as an actual condition.
However, despite the sufferer believing they are very ill or close to death, it is not actually a threat to one’s life. And this is key to curing Panic Attacks through therapies such as CBT.
Panic disorders may involve any or all of the below signs:
- Feeling of illness or nearing death
- Difficulty with breathing
- Racing heartbeat
- Upset stomach
- Nausea or dizziness
- Tightness in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of embarrassment and worrying about doing something wrong
- Chills, hot flashes, or tingling
- Sweating
Over 3 million Americans (1.7% of adults) suffer from a panic disorder, affecting those of all ages, from children to the elderly. However, it is mostly young adults who are affected. While many people have a panic attack or two during their lifespan, those who experience them more regularly are encouraged to get treatment. If left unchecked, it can lead to dire consequences.
There are also conditions that come with a panic disorder, such as excessive drinking and depression. The sufferer may struggle with anxiety between attacks, as simply anticipating one is enough to be very disabling. From this tense anticipation, phobias can come into fruition, causing the person to avoid any and all places that might trigger one. If a panic attack occurs while watching a certain TV show, for example, you may find yourself never wanting to watch that TV show afterward.
Sometimes it can get so bad that panic disorder sufferers will begin to avoid more and more things, becoming more and more restricted. Everyday things such as going to a gas station, grocery shopping and simply leaving the house become incredibly difficult. Coaxing the person to these places may be possible if a parent, spouse, or other trusted individual comes along. When this happens it is often referred to as agoraphobia, which is a fear of being in public places, usually coinciding with crowds, and open areas.
With proper treatment, however, panic attacks can be treated for good. This includes phobias, Agoraphobia, and anxiety panic attacks.
