Panic attacks: symptoms, causes and ways to deal with & bull; hello healthy

Definition of a panic attack

If you can't find smartphone in the bag even though he was sure he had put it when he was about to leave the house, suddenly feeling panic was a natural thing.

However, what if you suddenly feel panic for no apparent reason? It could be that you are having a panic attack. Yes, this condition is an episode of intense fear and triggers a certain physical reaction.

When experiencing this condition, you can really feel scared as if your life is being threatened and faced with danger, even though in fact nothing is happening that is endangering your life.

This, in turn, makes you feel like you have lost control of yourself which can lead to a heart attack or even death.

In fact, not a few have experienced panic attacks, especially when under stress and stress. However, after the stressful condition ends, these panic attacks never recur.

Therefore, if you experience panic attacks that often arise. occurs under unforeseen circumstances, and in the long term you may experience panic disorder.

While panic attacks are generally not a life-threatening mental disorder, they can be frightening to the person experiencing them. Not to mention, this condition can affect the quality of life of the sufferer.

Call a mental health professional immediately if you have this condition, so that your doctor can help you deal with your panic attacks.

Panic attack signs & symptoms

Panic attack or panic attack is a sudden onset of excessive fear that can last for several minutes. The characteristics or symptoms of panic attack things you can look out for include:

• Palpitations or the heart beats fast and irregular.
• Sweating.
• The body is shaking.
• Gasping for breath.
• It felt like I was being suffocated.
• Chest or chest pain is uncomfortable.
• Nausea and stomach discomfort.
• The head feels dizzy and wants to pass out.
• Numb sensation.
• Feeling afraid of not being able to control yourself or being out of control.
• Fear of dying that instant.

Therefore, if you feel one or more of the symptoms of one of these types of anxiety disorders, it is better to get your medical condition checked by a trusted doctor.

Causes of panic attacks

In fact, it is still uncertain what causes panic attacks. However, the following conditions may have an effect:

1. Genetic or hereditary factors

Believe it or not, panic attack may be a condition that runs in families. That is, if your parents or siblings experience panic disorder or panic disorder, the risk of developing the same condition is much greater.

2. Certain characteristics

There are some people who are considered more sensitive or more sensitive when compared to some other people. This characteristic is actually good, because people who have high sensitivity can be more sensitive and care about people and the environment around them.

Unfortunately, some people's sensitivity can lead to anxiety disorders including panic attacks. However, not everyone who is sensitive will experience this condition. In fact, there are people who look calm and calm calm , but has panic disorder.

3. Stress

Apparently stress can be one of the causes of panic attacks. This means that when you are under stress, you are more susceptible to feeling anxious and thus experiencing panic attacks. If left untreated, you can also become depressed because of it.

Risk factors for panic attacks

There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of having a panic attack or having a panic disorder, such as:

• Family medical history of panic attacks or disorders.
• Severe stress due to certain problems in life, such as a close family member who has a serious illness or a close family member who has died.
• Traumatic events in the past, such as sexual violence or serious accidents.
• Major life changes, such as a divorce or an additional child.
• Smoking or consuming too much caffeine.
• Bad memories from the past.

Complications from panic attacks

If you don't get treatment immediately, panic attack can affect various aspects of life. After experiencing a panic attack, you may be afraid and worried that the same attacks will occur in the future.

Excessive fear and worry end up disturbing and disrupting your quality of life. There are several conditions that may occur if you do not immediately seek help or medical attention to treat this condition. Some of them:

• You may develop certain phobias, such as a fear of traveling or a fear of driving.
• Constantly going to the doctor for health control because you have concerns about certain diseases.
• Avoiding social situations or conditions and choosing to be alone.
• Having problems both at school and at work.
• Experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, and various other mental health problems.
• Performed a suicide attempt.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs that can endanger lives.
• Experiencing financial problems.

Diagnosis & treatment for panic attacks

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How are panic attacks diagnosed?

If you have or have recently had a condition whose symptoms indicate that you are experiencing it panic attack , it's better to immediately check with a doctor.

When consulting a doctor, be sure to provide any information that the doctor will need to make a diagnosis of the condition you are experiencing.

There are several things your doctor may do to find out if you really have panic attack :

• Thorough physical examination.
• Blood tests, to check the thyroid gland and the possibility of certain health problems.
• A psychological evaluation, where the doctor will ask you directly about the symptoms, fears, and stressful conditions you are experiencing.

What are the types of treatment for panic attacks?

According to the National Health Service, treatment for panic attack more aimed at reducing the frequency of panic attacks experienced and relieving the symptoms that appear.

There are several things you can try to do to treat this condition, for example:

1. Psychological therapy (psychotherapy)

Psychological therapy or psychotherapy is one method that is considered quite effective in overcoming this condition. In fact, this method is always recommended by doctors as the first choice of treatment that is worth a try.

This therapy can help you understand the condition you are experiencing, and how to deal with it (if it occurs at a later date).

One type of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you understand that the symptoms of panic disorder that appear are actually harmless.

During this psychotherapy process, the therapist will help you slowly feel the symptoms that appear when they occur panic attack, but of course done safely.

When your physical sensations no longer feel dangerous, the attacks you experience will start to feel different or even less in frequency.

Even so, you need to remember that to get the results of this therapy does take a long time. You may have to undergo this therapy a few times first to really feel the maximum results.

2. Use of drugs

There are several types of drugs your doctor may prescribe to treat this condition, including:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs).
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Benzodiazepines .