Panic Disorder Counselling | Manage Anxiety & Panic Attacks

Although the exact origin of panic attacks is unknown, but there are important elements to it which have been found to be important including heredity, psychological issues, extreme stress, or having a susceptibility to stress. The difference between predicted and unexpected panic attacks is that the former usually have a known cause, such as crowds, flying, or exams, while the latter can appear to occur for no apparent reason. So usually it happens with a trigger, but it can also happen without one.

The main characteristics are recurring, intense anxiety (panic) which are not limited to one situation. A person may suddenly experience palpitations, chest discomfort, feeling of choking, dizziness, and there is also nearly always a secondary fear of dying, losing control, or going insane. Fear of being alone or going somewhere in public is brought on by frequent and unpredictable panic attacks. A panic episode is frequently followed by a lingering anxiety of having another attack.

Certain techniques have been found to be effective to calm oneself during a panic attack such as deep breathing exercises, keeping assuring oneself that this will pass, try to focus on something else, try a grounding exercise, like the 5-4-3-2-1 This technique uses the five senses to engage a person experiencing a panic attack in the present moment.Name five different objects you can see around you, and describe what they look like Name four different sounds you can hear around you, and describe what they sound like Name three different objects you can touch around you, and describe how they feel Name two different smells around you, and describe how they smell Name one thing you can taste, and describe how it tastes

Between the ages of 15 and 19, panic attacks(onset) are most frequently experienced by people.

The symptoms of a panic attack appear suddenly, peaking in intensity within 10 minutes. Usually, the episode subsides in 20 to 30 minutes, rarely lasting longer than an hour.

When comparing panic attacks usually happen with a trigger, but they can also happen without one, symptoms frequently strike without warning. Disruptive symptoms that could also include a detachment to reality are present and usually disappear after a few minutes. On the other hand, attacks of anxiety are a reaction to perceived stressors or threats, the symptoms can linger for longer periods of time and range in severity from mild to severe. Usually the sensations of anxiety build-up over time.

When a person develops panic attack he should try to focus on his breathing, try to reassure oneself that it's okay and it will pass and nothing bad will happen and then try to distract oneself by indulging in grounding techniques.

Anti-anxiety medicines have been found to be effective in treating panic attacks.