Symptoms Of Panic Attacks - Modern Treatments For Panic Attacks

By Hal Kirby

Sara was on her way to meet some friends for coffee. All of a sudden she felt familiar waves of nausea surge through her and she started to feel light headed and disconnected from her surroundings. It was the third time this week this had happened and the panic attacks were getting worse.

All over the world, people put up with from the debilitating effects of panic attacks. Panic attacks are defined as sudden severe episodes of severe physical, emotional and mental panic or terror, usually focused around an irrational fear. Panic attacks are usually of short duration, and may last less than minutes, although some of the symptoms might continue to be felt for a longer time.

Anyone who has suffered from a panic attack knows exactly what a truly frightening experience it is. In fact, practically everyone will experience some form of anxiety or panic attack during the course of his or her life.

Do you suffer from any of these symptoms of panic attacks?

Many people experience a slight case of "butterflies in the stomach" when facing a tense situation, but full-blown anxiety attack symptoms can mean severe nausea or stomach cramps, along with muscles so tense they hurt to move, tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes, and on the face, bouts of sweating, and a pounding heartbeat. There may also be symptoms such as the fear that you are losing your mind, and feeling disassociated with your surroundings, as if you are viewing a movie.

It is because such a large percentage of the population suffers from panic attacks and anxiety that doctors and researchers are constantly looking for new treatments every day. There are several current treatments that are available for 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.

Many therapies merely teach coping mechanisms and strategies on how to get over a panic attack once it happens. Medications can have unpleasant side effects, and the panic attacks start again if you stop taking the drugs. - 30437

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