Panic attack, or also called "panic disorder". It is short but intense anxiety attacks. These attacks are accompanied by physical symptoms - rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling and muscle tension. Usually a panic attack lasts from minutes to an hour, but its effects last up to several hours.
Symptoms of a panic attack
Panic attacks start suddenly, at any time, and their frequency varies according to a person's emotional state.
Most typical signs:
- sense of impending danger;
- fear of losing control;
- palpitations;
- Sweating;
- Shivering;
- out of breath;
- warm waves and shivers all over the body;
- nausea and abdominal cramps;
- headache and chest pain;
- vertigo;
- sense of unreality;
Risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of a panic attack include:
- Life stressors - serious illness, death of a loved one;
- Traumatic event - sexual assault or serious accident;
- Lifestyle changes - divorce or childbirth;
- Smoking;
Panic attacks and hormonal balance in women
Since women are much more often affected by this problem, we pay attention to what happens with the onset of the actual menopause. Then most often panic attacks occur, and the reason for this is hormonal. When the hormones estrogen and progesterone are at lower levels blood pressure rises, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating and fear appear. For this in this period of a woman's life are more frequent manifestations of panic attacks.
How to cope?
- Inform yourself about panic disorder - realising that this is a normal reaction of the body would protect us from further complications;
- Avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol, caffeine and smoking ;
- Get your breathing under control - deep abdominal breathing can calm, even end a panic attack. Exhalation should be slow and accompanied by relaxation of the whole body. And thought should be focused only on the breath;
- Yoga, meditation;
- Share with a relative or friend - communication is very important at such times. Feelings of loneliness and abandonment can intensify symptoms;
- Sport - through it you can significantly reduce stress and anxiety;
- Get quality sleep - if it is lacking, the body's ability to cope with stress deteriorates;
Panic attacks are a state of stress, with an irrational cause. At this point, a person feels that he is dying or going crazy. It is characterized by the patient avoiding public places, events. The right approach with dealing with this condition is a complete life change. And if necessary, consultation with an appropriate specialist.
