Panic Attack - Do You Know the Symptoms?

How would you know you were having a panic attack? Many people don't know or don't recognize them for what they are. It's easy to confuse it for something more sinister. Don't worry you are not alone in this, panic attacks affect millions worldwide. If I said they were harmless would you believe me, probably not. Why? Simply because when you are the victim they can be terrifying, leading you to see reality out of all proportion, that's normal.

The average length of an attack is normally around ten to twenty minutes, but feels like a lifetime. During the attack you lose your ability to reason, some of the thoughts that may enter your mind include, am I going mad, am I having a heart attack, am I having a stroke?

The most common symptoms are rapid heartbeat, dizziness, sweating, pins and needles, shaking and shortness of breath. These are the symptoms that your body would naturally elicit if you were under attack. You may have heard of the fight or flight syndrome. Basically during a panic attack your body releases a cocktail of hormones, including adrenalin which prepares you for protecting yourself.

With panic attacks arising from little or no outside stimulus or danger, what has happened is that your mind has become conditioned to turn on its natural protection mechanism even when there's no obvious danger. Even after the attack has subsided you will be left with ongoing feelings of anxiety.

The attacks often become associated in your mind with the places or situations in which your first attack occurred. This can eventually lead to a crippling behavior pattern where you start to avoid places and situations where you feel vulnerable to another attack. The more you do this the worse it gets, until in extreme cases panic attack suffers don't even want to leave home.

Don't let this be you, there are many ways to tackle the scourge of panic and anxiety attacks. First thing to do is visit a doctor to ensure that it is indeed panic attacks you are experiencing and not another form of disorder. When you have been reassured, take heart, most people come through the attacks and find complete cure.

The one thing that you most definitely shouldnt do is nothing. Dont feel alone in this, there are many approaches to dealing with it; you just need to find one that suits you.

Bobby Jones (Ba Hons Psychology) has researched panic and anxiety for over 20 years. He has an in depth knowledge of what works and what doesn't. Bobby will provide you with a free report on panic and anxiety attacks, along with a review of methods available for treatment. You can access the report at http://www.panicattacksko.com

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