| Panic attacks and related disorders are very common | | | | or being confined in a small space. In other cases they |
| problems, and amongst the most frequent disorders | | | | seem to just appear for no reason. Stress is probably |
| treated by mental health specialists. Statistics show | | | | the causative factor in this case once more. |
| that about 10% of the population have had one or | | | | Symptoms include breathing difficulties, faintness, |
| more of these attacks. These can in some cases | | | | dizziness, rapid heart rate or palpitation, trembling, |
| become frequent and severe and can have a serious | | | | sweating, chest pain, fear of death, numbness or chills. |
| negative effect on the persons functional capability. At | | | | Panic attack is equally prevalent in men and women |
| this point the problem is known as a panic disorder. | | | | and is definitely a treatable problem. Cutting back on |
| Approximately 5 % of the general population are | | | | caffeine consumption helps in many cases. Getting |
| known to suffer from panic disorder. | | | | sufficient exercise is also a great help. Relaxation, |
| Panic attacks are often triggered by high stress | | | | breathe control and thought control can go a long way |
| situations. Fear of having an attack, in itself can cause | | | | toward solving the problem. |
| more stress which perpetuates a vicious circle. | | | | When an attack starts, stay where you are. It is most |
| Genetics play a part in this problem. If either of your | | | | important not to run away, but to face the problem |
| parents suffered panic attacks you are more likely to | | | | head on. Breathe slowly while trying to relax |
| have them. | | | | completely. See yourself,by visualisation, in a place you |
| Stress is the common trigger in most people. In addition | | | | like and find pleasant. Tell yourself that this is a very |
| to this if you suffer from a phobia, post traumatic | | | | uncomfortable feeling, but there is no danger and it will |
| stress disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder you | | | | go away. Practicing these techniques every time you |
| are more likely to have panic attacks. They can be | | | | feel an attack coming will very soon cut down and |
| linked to certain circumstances such as flying in a plane | | | | finally eliminate your panic attack problem. |