Many people wonder: what is a panic attack? What are the symptoms and how to cope with the scourge? Let us try to understand all this, relying on the opinion of an experienced psychologist.
Symptoms of a panic attack
Panic Attack - is a kind of anxiety disorder related to disorders of neurotic level and stress-related. During a panic attack attack time a person experiences a sudden and inexplicable, absolutely terrible fear, an irresistible anxiety and / or panic. And all this is accompanied by the release of adrenaline in the blood (in large quantities).
Previously, panic attacks used to be called "autonomic crises," because at this state are manifested vegetative (somatic) symptoms.
The attack of a panic attack can last a minute, and two and twenty. And it is accompanied by the following features:
- cardiopalmus;
- cold sweat;
- tremors;
- chills;
- shortness of breath for no apparent load;
- internal shiver;
- choking or feeling short of breath;
- dizziness;
- headedness;
- nausea, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort;
- not passing feeling of fear;
- numbness in the extremities;
- confusion of thoughts;
- frequent urination and frustration of a chair;
- lump in the throat;
- temporarily impaired hearing / vision;
- gait disturbance and general disorder of motor function;
- an increase in temperature and / or blood pressure;
- convulsions.
At the moment of panic attack occurs abrupt release of adrenaline into the blood, followed by vasoconstriction occurs. Further increases heart rate and respiratory rate. As a consequence - hyperventilation and a decrease in blood levels of carbon dioxide. The tissues in the periphery of the uric acid accumulates, and this additional pain signal to the brain and a new stress.
The causes of panic attacks by modern medicine are poorly understood. Such attacks occur spontaneously, and under the influence of various external stimuli. They may appear on the background of ischemic heart disease or, for example, after a stroke. Moved hormone therapy or pronounced PMS - is also cause for panic attacks.
With regard to the correction of the condition, the treatment is to prevent attacks. Recognition signals and taking adequate measures in order to prevent the flow of another attack. Sensing the approach of panic, it is important to relax and promptly throw thoughts on some neutral subject - imagine an animal, house, human, begin to consider them, delaying attention to detail, asking yourself questions and etc.
If a panic attack yet started, it is important to breathe correctly (the technique is easy to learn with a qualified psychologist). And keep always ready paper bag or handkerchief and breathe in them to handle hyperventilation. Plus, use the techniques of anger management.
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