Signs of a Panic Attack

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point of their lives. After all, anxiety is a normal human reaction to stressful situations. In the case of panic attacks, anxiety reaches an extreme level and causes a myriad of uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms. A panic attack is more than simple anxiety -- it's a grouping of effects that can be uncomfortable and frightening. Signs of a panic attack are often varied in nature, however there are a few common symptoms that denote this problem. They are:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Sweating
Shakiness
Nausea or upset stomach
Diarrhea or constipation
Hot or cold flashes
Difficulty breathing
A feeling of extreme dread

These represent several signs of a panic attack. Some people may have all of these symptoms, some may only have a few. Still others will have all these symptoms and more. It all depends on your individual body chemistry and how you react to stress. There are many theories as to why panic attacks happen. While these are simply theories, they can give insight as to why certain people suffer from panic attacks and panic disorder.

In some cases, the signs of a panic attack are caused by genetics. If panic disorder runs in your family, you're more likely to experience panic attacks than people who aren't genetically predisposed. Sometimes, panic attacks are caused by external factors such as stressful life events, poor diet, hypoglycemia and even certain medicines.

Regardless of the cause of panic attacks, the treatment involves either therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. If you're exhibiting signs of a panic attack, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. A doctor, psychiatrist or licensed counselor can diagnose panic attacks and implement a treatment plan.

Treatment for signs of panic attack may include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, dietary changes, implementation of regular exercise, relaxation exercises, and anything else your practitioner deems necessary. While panic attacks are very unpleasant, frightening and can cause debilitating side effects, they are quite treatable. The key is to seek help as soon as possible after exhibiting symptoms. By following your doctor's instructions and taking proactive steps against your disorder, you can eliminate panic attacks and be on your way to a healthy, happy life.

Copyright 2006 Frances Coleman - All Rights Reserved

Current News on Panic Attacks:

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England) - Trader attack November 1, 2008 -- A SHOPKEEPER was attacked by hammer-wielding robbers. Two men burst into Archbold Wines, in North Shields, and demanded cash. Manager Michael...

Buffalo Bill-esque Fan Induces Brad Pitt Panic Attack On 'Oprah' - Defamer Australia Buffalo Bill-esque Fan Induces Brad Pitt Panic Attack On 'Oprah' Defamer Australia, Australia - Nov 19, 2008 A man as famous as Brad Pitt is accustomed to enjoying a comfortable buffer between himself and any Jane Q. Psychotic with a Skype account. . ..

Police find drugs, woman has panic attack during traffic stop - Oshkosh Northwestern Police find drugs, woman has panic attack during traffic stop Oshkosh Northwestern, WI - Nov 8, 2008 WINNECONNE EUR A routine traffic stop turned into a bit more when an Oshkosh woman experienced a panic attack and vomited in the back seat of a Winneconne . ..

High anxieties - presenter Anna Williamson on coping with panic . - Times Online High anxieties - presenter Anna Williamson on coping with panic . Times Online, UK - Nov 17, 2008 For anyone who hasn't had a panic attack - and most people will experience at least one in their lifetime - they are extremely frightening. . ..

Student dies of heart attack in Haiti school panic - The Associated Press Student dies of heart attack in Haiti school panic The Associated Press - Nov 20, 2008 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) EUR” Emergency officials say a 19-year-old Haitian schoolgirl died of a heart attack after students panicked that their school was . ..

USA TODAY - Global economy concerns slam stocks October 23, 2008 -- Just when investors were enjoying signs the credit crunch was thawing, they had a panic attack Wednesday over the state of the global economy.Injured...

» Panic Attack Outbursts And The Best Treatment For Panic Disorder . No user commented in " Panic Attack Outbursts And The Best Treatment For Panic Disorder ". Follow-up comment rss or Leave a Trackback. Leave A Reply. Username (*required). Email Address (*private). Website (*optional). Subscribe ...

Neighbor: Man shot dead acted strangely - CharlotteObserver.com Neighbor: Man shot dead acted strangely CharlotteObserver.com, NC - 6 hours ago EURœI think he had one big panic attack and thought somebody was in his house,EUR� Walters said. EURœI knew him for a long time, and he'd do anything for you. . ..

AFP - Europe moves to quell financial firestorm October 13, 2008 -- BERLIN (AFP) — European governments launched a multi-pronged attack to combat the financial crisis Monday, approving hundreds of billions of...

Top tips to avoid Panic Attacks A panic attack can be a very frightening and uncomfortable experience, but it is absolutely not dangerous. It may be dif. . Top 10 Panic Attacks Causes; How to Cope with Panic Attacks; How to Fight a Panic Attack ...

Panic Attacks (Panic Disorders) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and . Nocturnal panic attacks tend to cause sufferers to wake suddenly from sleep in a state of sudden anxiety for no apparent reason and can have all the other symptoms of a panic attack. The duration of nocturnal panic attacks tends to be ...

Technorati Tags: Panic Aattack, Signs of a Panic Attack, Signs Of A Panic Attack