| They come out of the blue and terrify the sufferer. But | | | | they are prescribed to act as a kind of crutch to help |
| what are panic attacks? Basically, they are strong | | | | the sufferer gain enough control to start with the |
| feelings of panic or anxiety that come over a person | | | | therapy. |
| suddenly, like an attack. You might feel like you are | | | | There are several types of therapy that are used in |
| dying, suffocating, drowning, or something similar. You | | | | treating anxiety. They all try to find the root of the |
| may be hyperventilating, | | | | problem and then address it. They range from simple |
| Some might think they are going mad or they are | | | | coping techniques to complete reprogramming. |
| having a heart attack. The symptoms of a panic | | | | When the anxiety attacks are relatively mild, treatment |
| attack are similar to the symptoms of a heart attack. | | | | consists mostly of learning how to keep calm. There |
| The difference is, that while heart attacks may be | | | | are techniques such as learning how to control your |
| very dangerous indeed, panic attacks are not. They | | | | breathing, how to replace negative thoughts with |
| are totally harmless, though they are very unpleasant. | | | | positive ones, and meditating, for example, which you |
| There are other differences, too. | | | | can use when you feel that an attack is starting. They |
| If you think that you, or someone you know, is | | | | will help to stop the attack or at least lessen its effects |
| suffering from anxiety attacks or anxiety disorder, then | | | | if you cannot stop it. A therapist or counselor will help |
| you want to know something about anxiety attack | | | | you to learn these. |
| treatment. It is not an imaginary disease, nor does it | | | | There are changes you can make to your lifestyle, too |
| mean you are 'crazy' and need to be locked up. | | | | - for example, avoid food and drinks that contain a lot |
| The first thing you should do is talk to your family | | | | of caffeine, sugar and other stimulants. You should |
| doctor and he or she will decide whether you have a | | | | also cut down on alcohol and drugs, or cut them out |
| medical problem that is causing these symptoms or | | | | completely. They don't help you to avoid the attacks at |
| whether it is anxiety attacks. There are some medical | | | | all - in fact, they make things worse. Exercise is also |
| and psychological conditions that cause anxiety | | | | recommended. This is because you breathe more |
| attacks as side-effects. What happens next depends | | | | deeply during exercise and the increased oxygen |
| on the severity of the attacks, but generally you would | | | | helps you to feel more positive and upbeat, while also |
| be referred to a specialist - a therapist or counselor. | | | | helping you to stay calm. Don't worry, this doesn't |
| If the condition is severe, you could be prescribed | | | | mean pumping iron for hours on end. A stroll in the |
| antidepressants. This is because depression is often | | | | park for about half an hour a day is enough to |
| thought to be the underlying cause of the anxiety | | | | produce feelings of calmness and well-being that last |
| attacks. None of these drugs can be used long term, | | | | long after the exercise session has ended. |