Recognize The Most Common Panic Attacks Symptoms - By: J. Michael Key

If you've had a panic attack before, then you already know how terrifying an experience it can be. The intense fear caused by an attack is bad enough, but there can also be physical panic attack symptoms that make matters even worse. In this article, we'll cover the common symptoms which panic attack sufferers experience and a little about how to make the panic attacks less common and less intense.

People who go through panic attacks often find the physical manifestation to be the most distressing thing about the disorder. The symptoms can be so intense that, afterwards, the fear that another attack might occur can eclipse the actual fear and discomfort caused by an actual panic attack.

The common physical symptoms experienced by the largest number of people is an increased heart rate, usually accompanied by difficulty breathing. Combined with chest pains (another common symptom), these symptoms can make the sufferer believe that they are experiencing a heart attack, the life-threatening consequences of which make the fear of the panic attack even more intense.

Other common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, chills and hot flashes, all of which can occur without warning. They can appear when you least expect it. This is true of panic attack symptoms in general; the sudden onset makes the physical symptoms of an attack even more terrifying.

However, the physical effects are only a portion of the problem. A panic attack's mental effects are just as distressing. While not everyone experiences the same symptoms and they can differ from one attack to the next, sudden, overpowering fear is the characteristic which all attacks share. Panic attacks symptoms are much as if the natural flight or fight reaction has been triggered without any apparent cause. It is very common to have an overwhelming urge to escape from the situation, while other people experience a feeling like they are watching themselves during the attack while being unable to act.

Since the physical symptoms can be so horrible, they often make the attack far more difficult to cope with. Many people who have severe panic attacks feel as though they are actually dying during their attacks. In fact if the symptoms could potentially be indicators of a heart attack you should call 911 right away.

The only thing to be said in favor of a panic attack is that it will tend to last only a very short time, usually just a couple of minutes or even less. If you're unfortunate enough to have regular panic attacks, one thing you probably have to deal with is the fear of experiencing a recurrence of your attacks. You need to remember that your reaction to the symptoms of your attacks when they're coming on can make a difference in the severity and the duration of the attack.

Since the normal reaction to an attack is fear, it's common for an attack to feed on itself and become more and more intense as well as lasting longer than it needs to. One way to take the edge off of panic attacks symptoms is to use relaxation techniques including deep breathing.

Also, concentrate on relaxing specific muscles, starting at your toes and working up from there. These can help make you calmer and fend off the very worst of the symptoms. While it is not an easy thing to do right away, regular meditation, yoga, deep breathing and other methods of relaxing can help you to keep your attacks to a minimum and keep them brief when they do occur. In some cases, dramatic treatment options are the key to success, but many times meaningful relief from panic attack symptoms can be achieved by a series of modest steps like those mentioned above.

About the Author

Michael Key has written on many subjects for 30 years. Information on panic attacks symptoms at http://www.defeatpanicattack.com/panic-attacks-symptoms/ Panic Attacks Symptoms.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/J--Michael-Key/50499

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