What Are Panic Attacks?
Difference between Panic Attacks and Anxiety
Have you ever wondered about what a panic attack is? Or what is the difference between a panic attack and anxiety? Or even how to deal with panic attacks naturally, without needing to rely on medication? Here is a concise overview of exactly what a panic attack is, what physical and psychological symptoms are present during an attack, and how you can use natural methods to combat panic and anxiety both naturally and holistically.
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| getting panic-image taken from: www.freud-sigmund.com |
Differentiating Between Panic Attacks and Anxiety
First, what is a panic attack? A panic attack is a serious condition that can strike suddenly, without warning and without any clear triggers being present. When panic attacks occur, the individual experiencing it is often undergoing a psychological fear response that is markedly out of proportion to the present situation. Attacks can last anywhere between 5-10 minutes. The physical and psychological sensations that accompany a panic attack are very intense and can be quite disorienting.
Are panic attacks the same as normal everyday stress and anxiety?
No. Often times, those who experience stress or anxiety find it is heightened or triggered by everyday events. This is not the case with those suffering from panic attacks. As previously stated, panic attacks are short but intense periods of out of proportion fear response, accompanied by acute physical and psychological symptoms.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Now that you have a better idea of just what a panic attack is, let's review the symptoms often found present during an attack.
Physical symptoms of panic attacks include:
● shortness of breath
● sensation of choking
● trembling
● tingling in extremities
● nausea
● sweating
● heart palpitations
● tightness in chest
● light headedness
Psychological symptoms of panic attacks include:
● fear of losing control
● sense of dread
● oncoming sense of doom
● fear that one is going crazy
● death of illness and/or death
● feeling of unreality/detachment
Yes, these symptoms can seem intimidating and frightening, but not to worry. There are many tried and tested methods of handling panic attacks naturally. A great many people have found these approaches to anxiety and panic attacks beneficial and ultimately, life changing.
Dealing with a Panic Attack
Yes, it can be done!
These methods have been researched and tested clinically by doctors, neurologists and psychologists alike. Many people have had great success in dealing with their panic disorder naturally.
A largely popular approach to addressing panic attacks is CBT. CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy. This is an approach to psychotherapy that incorporates a cognitive behavioral therapist working with a patient one on one or in a group to manage panic attack symptoms. The therapy usually lasts approximately 12 weeks, during which time the therapist helps address the client's fears and anxieties and triggering thinking patterns that may be contributing to the condition.
Other popular approaches to dealing with panic attacks include: exercise, meditation, focused relaxation, yoga and/or stretching, relaxing breathing techniques, making sure one has adequate sleep and hydration, and reducing/eliminating caffeine and alcohol intake.
When Panic attacks by David D.Burns, M.D.
So, panic attacks are quite different than what many would consider to be everyday stress and anxiety. They differentiate from anxiety in that they are characterized by a short but intense collection of debilitating physical and psychological symptoms and tend to repeatedly occur in those that suffer from them. Happily, there are many natural methods used around the world today to assist in combating these symptoms, helping those suffering from panic attacks to resolve their symptoms easily, thoroughly and efficiently
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