Causes of Panic Attacks -- What They Are and How to Deal with Them

Panic attacks are defined as severe episodes of severe anxiety that last for several minutes and happen on an intermittent or regularly occurring basis. Symptoms of panic attacks include rapid or irregular heartbeat, profuse sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, intense fear, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, trembling, hot or cold flashes, and an overall feeling of losing control. Panic attacks are frightening and unpleasant, and can affect every aspect of a sufferer's life.

There are many theories regarding the causes of panic attacks. One factor that seems to make a difference is heredity. Often, people who have a history of panic disorder in their families experience the disorder themselves. Other causes are external in nature and include traumatic life events, extreme thinking that causes a shift in bodily functions, certain medications and even conditions like hypoglycemia. While you will need to see your doctor or psychiatrist to determine a panic disorder diagnosis and the underlying cause, there are some lifestyle changes that can sometimes help alleviate your symptoms.

Some simple changes include diet and exercise. By eating healthy foods at regular intervals during the day, you can help regulate blood glucose. And by making smart choices, you can consume foods that boost serotonin levels and encourage a feeling of well being. On the other end of the spectrum, there are foods that can make the problem worse. It's wise to steer clear of too much sugar, white flour, or heavily processed foodstuffs and stick to foods like vegetables, lean meat, whole grains and lowfat dairy. Exercise can also be helpful in boosting the feel-good chemicals in the brain and relieving stress. Even something as simple as a 30 minute walk three times a week can make a difference.

Behavior modification can also help to lessen the duration, severity and occurance of panic attacks. By recognizing your individual anxiety triggers and choosing to respond in a different way, you can sometimes prevent or lessen panic attacks. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises can also usually provide some relief.

However, some people find that diet, exercise and behavior modification just doesn't work for them. If this is the case for you, then your doctor may decide to put you on medication. It's important to follow all of your doctor's instructions and take the medication exactly as directed. Normally, medication is given in conjunction with counseling or therapy and is often a last resort when all other treatment methods have failed.

Copyright 2008 Thomas Proctor- All Rights Reserved

Contact us  | Home  | Privacy Policy |  Sitemap 



Controlling Panic Attacks

Current News on Panic Attacks:
Murdoch says Middle East must reject censorship - Times Online
The Middle East must open up its markets to foreigners and renounce media censorship if it wants to harness a EURpowerful windEUR of creative energy blowing through the region, Rupert Murdoch said yesterday. Speaking at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Media ...

Charmaine Dragun text sent lover Simon Struthers into blind panic - NEWS.com.au

Sydney Morning Herald

Charmaine Dragun text sent lover Simon Struthers into blind panic
NEWS.com.au
Mrs Dragun said Charmaine had called in tears two months before she died, saying she was having panic attacks before she went on air. .
Mother recalls newsreader Charmaine Dragun's suicidal thoughtsThe Australian
Mum tells inquest into the death of Channel Ten newsreader Charmaine Dragun .Herald Sun
Newsreader 'felt worthless' before suicideABC Online

all 69 news articles »
..

9/11 a 'Fabrication to Go to War'?
I'd say he sounds a lot like some of the nut jobs we have right here in our own country, sadly enough...

How violent crime has risen 44% after 13 years of Labour: But ministers insist it's DOWN
Violent crime has rocketed by 44 per cent under Labour, official Parliamentary research revealed last night...

I've got my eye on you . a reef shark in the Maldives.
One shark on the reef is fine, until he brings his mates along, writes Ute Junker...

Barrett's not a death sentence
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I was diagnosed a year ago with Barrett's esophagus with no dysplasia...

Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for Lahore attack (Hindustan Times)
A suicide car bomber destroyed offices used to interrogate suspected militants in Lahore on Monday, killing up to 13 people in the latest attack on Pakistan's cultural capital...

Peter Andre's panic attack hell - stv.tv

Daily Mail

Peter Andre's panic attack hell
stv.tv
The Aussie singer has revealed that he suffered from regular panic attacks following his split from Katie Price. Reality TV star Peter Andre has spoken out .
'I thought I was going to die': Peter Andre opens up about his panic attacks .Daily Mail
Andre: I considered suicideIreland Online
Peter Andre: 'I wanted to kill myself'Metro
Daily Star -Ok! Magazine -Thaindian.com
all 182 news articles »
..

A war hero is honoured
IT'S the birthday wish of every little boy - a jet fighter. And this week one birthday boy's day was made in Innerleithen following a flypast by a Tornado from RAF Lossiemouth...

Facebook attacked for ignoring 100 reports of 'grooming' and refusal . - Daily Mail
But it was attacked for a 'glaring failure' for refusing to have a panic button on its pages, which would allow children to raise the alarm if . cent (114) were about suspected grooming but 'only one or two' were from the site itself - the rest ...

At your service: Support groups - Daytona Beach News-Journal
The At Your Service column appears Mondays in The News-Journal. Featured this week are support groups in Volusia and Flagler counties. Aging H.A.N.D.S.(Helping Alzheimer's and Dementia Support): Support group for caregivers and loved ones. 386-253 ...

Rights Officials Call for Justice in Nigeria Massacre
Nightmare images haunt this dusty sun-baked village, fresh memories of tall young men emerging from darkness to slash the unarmed with long knives in a frenzy of ethnic and religious hatred...

Students Cause Hostage Panic at Atteridgeville College
WINNIE Madikizela-Mandela has launched an astonishing and damning attack on Nelson Mandela, accusing the former president of failing black people...

Technorati Tags: , ,