Discover The Symptoms of Panic Attacks- Is It A Panic Attack Or Heart Attack?

By Victoria Moore

Bethany was in the changing room of a department store when a panic attack started. She had the horrible sensation that her heart was beating too fast. She began trembling all over and felt hot and sweaty. She felt as if she was dying. She ended up running out of the store to find a quiet place to sit until she felt better.

Millions of people worldwide suffer the terrible symptoms of panic attacks. A panic attack is classified as a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that suddenly comes without warning and without any obvious reason. Although many panic attacks can last for over thirty minutes, some uncomfortable symptoms may last longer.

Today, more than at any other time in history, being anxious, tense or nervous is part of the world we live in. Recent studies suggest that approximately one of out every 75 people will experience a panic attack sometime in their lifetime.

Here are just some of the symptoms of panic attacks-

Some of the symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack can include extreme dizziness, blurred vision, tingling and feelings of breathlessness, and a fear of suffocating or smothering. You might feel sick in the stomach. Other symptoms can include a feeling of being extremely "high" or intoxicated with things seeming unreal or surreal. You may even feel that you are going to die.

Anxiety disorders including panic attacks have now become so prevalent that there are now thousands of people seeking treatment for their anxiety. There are several current treatments that are availablefor panic attacks and anxiety disorders, ranging from medication to reduce anxiety, cognitive behavioural therapy which focuses on coping techniques and exposure therapy. There are also alternative treatments such as hypnosis, meditation and relaxation techniques.

Unfortunately some methods for treating panic attacks and anxiety are outdated, such as 'deep breathing', positive affirmations, or using distraction to take your mind off the fear of an attack. You may be prescribed medications that have unpleasant side effects, and if you stop taking the drugs, the panic attacks start again. - 30309

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