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ANXIETY DISORDERS
panic attacks:
| DEFINITION: | Anxiety orders may be acute or chronic. Acute would be manifested as a panic attack, the natural fight or flight reaction at the wrong time. The symptoms caused by this surge in adrenaline can be distressing and frightening. |
| "SYMPTOMS" | Feelings that accompany a
panic attack include shortness of breath; a smothering, claustrophobic
sensation; heart palpitations; chest pain; dizziness; hot
flashes and/or chills; trembling; numbness or tingling sensations in the
extremities; sweating; nausea; a feeling of unreality; and a distorted
perception of the passage of time. Eventually the disorder can have
other effects such as generalized aches and pains, muscular twitching and
stiffness, depression, insomnia, nightmares and early waking, decreased
libido, and abnormal feelings of tension with an accompanying inability to
relax. Menstrual cycle and increased premenstrual symptoms may
increase in woman.
Panic attacks can occur at any time, lasting from a few seconds up to half an hour. To the person experiencing it, it feels like much longer and feels as if they are having a heart attack or stroke. The attacks are very unpredictable. Many people lead very restricted lives as they become afraid to be alone, or to go out in public |
| CAUSES: | The attacks are often triggered by stress, known or unknown, or certain emotions, in response to certain foods, drugs or illness. Food allergies and hypoglycemia are both common among people with this disorder. Caffeine may bring on an attack. These attacks are known to be linked to an abnormality of heart function called MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE. Many experts believe that panic attacks are caused principally by a malfunction in brain chemistry, where by the brain sends and receives false emergency signals. |
| HINTS: | Keep a food diary to see if
there is any correlation between that and the attacks. Get regular
exercise, learn relaxation techniques such as biofeedback and meditation,
get adequate rest. Music is also a relaxation therapy.
To help manage an attack, use breathing techniques. Inhale slowly to a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale slowly to a count of flour, and than do nothing for a count of four. Repeat this until the attack is gone. |
| DRUGS: | There are a number of drugs used to block panic attacks. All drugs used for this disorder can cause unpleasant side affects. Alprazolam (Xanax) is one of the most common drugs used. |