We do know that we can control different movements and actions of our body but there are certain things that are beyond our control at least for a matter of seconds. Panic attacks are attacks when the mind is gripped by an immediate fear or discomfort, and it can lead to a heart attack or even nervous breakdown in some cases.
There is no specific timing for panic attacks and therefore, the time period of panic attack can differ as per the situation and how an individual reacts to that particular situation. In most cases, panic attacks last for around ten minutes but if the individual has a good control over his or her mind then panic attacks can even last for just 10 to 15 seconds.
Symptoms
People who are suffering from panic attack are totally gripped by fear, and they might even experience that they are going to die soon. Heavy breathing, numbness, nausea and blur vision can also happen when the patient is still under a panic attack situation. This happens because the blood from the brain quickly moves into different parts of the body as a defensive mechanism to save the body. Panic attack is very closely related to the sympathetic nervous system which is suddenly activated inside the body due to feelings like fear and therefore, symptoms like trembling, cold flashes, sensation of choking are also very common.
Causes
Panic attacks can be passed on from generation to generation and therefore, if anybody in your family suffers from panic attack symptoms, then there are chances that you too might have it. Women are more prone to panic attacks than men as per the research because women undergo menopause every month and therefore, they have high chances of getting panic attacks compare to men. However, various biological problems like Vitamin B deficiency, obsessive compulsive disorder, hypoglycemia and post traumatic stress disorder can also lead to panic attacks.
Different people have different phobias and that can also trigger panic attacks. Apart from personal experiences like loss of family members, loss of emotional attachment and poor love life can also lead to problems like panic attacks. Many people who lack self-confidence and self respect normally undergo depression, and that can contribute to panic attack as well. Medications like antidepressants and antibiotics can also have side effects like panic attacks.
Treatment
Panic attacks can be treated through various psychotherapies. Most doctors believe that panic attack is all about controlling your brain when you are in the state of fear. Hence, the best way to tackle problems like panic attacks is to have enough self-confidence and courage. Doctors and psychologists try to boost the self confidence of the patients so that they can think practically about how they can get out of the problematic situation instead of becoming victims of panic attack. Paper bag breathing is also very much recommended when you are suffering from panic attacks. However, many believe that it would only reduce the oxygen levels, and hence it is better to breathe deeply to relax your mind.
