Panic attacks are sudden feeling of discomfort and nervousness when confronted with certain situations or conditions. Different people have have different views on what is a panic attack trigger factor. A person with fear of being confined in a small space may experience panic attacks when riding an elevator. He may eventually manifest some symptoms of panic attacks like excessive sweating, shaking and trembling. They may even feel faint or have a feeling that they are not having enough air to breathe. Some people may have panic attacks when they are about to have a public speaking engagement. Others may feel panic when think of talking with their boss for a salary increase.
To find relief from these symptoms of panic attacks some people may turn to taking prescription medications to reduce the frequency and intensity of the attacks. These drugs include antidepressants and benzodiazepines, or sometimes a combination of these drugs. Although they do not really prevent the symptoms of panic attacks, these drugs have adverse effects and the person develops a habit that it may lead to addiction.
A person experiencing panic attacks may develop avoidance behavior and cause disruption of their normal activities. In the case of fearing small spaces, they will avoid riding the elevator to carry them to their place of work and take the long flight of stairs up their offices, thus, disrupting their normal behavior. What is a panic attack episode to some may already be a panic disorder to others. Some symptoms of panic attacks are not medically dangerous and people may recover without treatment. But debilitating symptoms may require consultations with a psychotherapist.
Different therapy sessions will help control and manage the panic attacks so that they do not cause disturbance and distress.Exposure Therapy is one of the most effective ways to lessen the symptoms of panic attacks. The person is asked to confront his fears so that they themselves will realize that their fears are unfounded. In Cognitive-Behavior Therapy the person is taught recognize and understand their feelings and respond in controlled breath or other ways that encourages relaxation.
Making oneself aware about what is a panic attack symptom is the best defense to prevent this ailment from taking over their lives. Knowing the causes, the symptoms and healthy alternatives will make the person a stress-free life without fear and anxiety.
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