panic attacks symptoms nhs

panic attacks symptoms nhs

A panic attack is a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety accompanied by significant physical symptoms such as tremors, sweating and shortness of breath. They are usually accompanied by an overwhelming fear of catastrophe – the person may feel they are dying or suffering a heart attack, or may fear to be angry. They may occur in response to specific situations (such as densely populated areas) or spontaneously, without cause apparent. They are generally of short duration (lasting minutes), but they are so unpleasant that a person can live in fear of it happening again – in many cases this has led to the person to avoid situations in their view, trigger an attack ( "avoidance behavior").

Panic attacks very often accompany such conditions as anxiety, generalized anxiety and phobias (including agoraphobia – fear of open spaces). However, they can occur outside of these other – a 1994 study showed that 3 100 people had suffered panic attacks alone.

Panic disorder is the term used by psychiatrists for psychological conditions in the attacks of panic prevailed.

Psychological symptoms of panic attacks

Intense anxiety
Fear of dying
Fear of losing control or going crazy
Depersonalization (the unpleasant feeling that is not "real" or separating yourself)
Derealization (the unpleasant feeling that your environment is "false" or are an actor "in a play)

The physical symptoms of panic attacks

Difficulty breathing or feeling "smothered"
Choking
Palpitations (rapid heartbeat or irregular)
Chest Pain
Sweating
Dizziness or vertigo
Nausea or abdominal discomfort
Redness or a feeling of cold
Tremors or shaking

The light of being unable to breathe can cause a compensatory increase in respiratory rate (hyperventilation) per person. May it turn affect the body, leading to both a worsening of physical symptoms above and additional symptoms:

The physical symptoms of hyperventilation

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Numbness or tingling in hands, feet and face
Headaches
Weakness
Spasms of the muscles of the feet and hands

In a panic, people often experience at least 4 of the above symptoms, although most of the experience much more than that. For a diagnosis of panic disorder, the person knows at least 4 panic attacks within 4 weeks, or experience significant fear of an attack (and the behavioral avoidance of exposure) for 4 weeks after a single episode.

Treatment

If panic attacks are associated with others such as generalized anxiety, phobia or depression, then the appropriate course of action is to address these underlying issues first – Panic attacks should disappear as these other issues are resolved.

If panic attacks are the main problem, then (as in most psychological problems), two modes of action are available – The treatment of drug and psychological therapies.

Pharmacological treatment of panic attacks limited. Sedatives such as benzodiazepines (diazepam (Valium)) are very effective in the short term, but they are highly addictive and May lead to dependence. In addition, when these drugs are withdrawn, a resurgence of anxiety is very likely. Antidepressants, particularly selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Cipramil) and paroxetine (Seroxat), are allowed to be used in panic disorder. They can cause an initial worsening of symptoms when the first steps taken, and may cause other side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances and sexual dysfunction. Medications not as effective that psychological therapies in these conditions.

NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) recommend cognitive therapy to treat panic attacks and panic disorder. His research has shown to be more effective than any medication. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) involve the patient seeing a therapist in a head-to-one basis for hours sessions. The total course of treatment is between 6 and 12 sessions with one session per week. Treatments include an explanation of the psychological and physical symptoms of panic attacks, May affect and intentionally hastening a panic attack during one session. The objective is to reduce the fear associated with symptoms Physical – this fear is often a cause of the attacks themselves and the associated behavioral avoidance. Once you reduce the fear of panic attacks, attacks will decrease the frequency and severity and, hopefully, disappear.

Despite clear recommendations from NICE, the availability of Cognitive therapy is limited in the NHS. If your local GP doctor or mental health trust is unable to provide adequate treatment for their pathology, which may be able to recommend a therapist in the private sector.

About the Author:

Karen Hastings is an NHS experienced occupational therapist. She has worked in the NHS with people with acute and chronic mental health problems. Karen is also a master NLP practitioner and also practices more traditional cognitive behavioural approaches and hypnotherapy. Karen is registered with the Health Profession Council. Her practice is in Aldbury, Herts. Karen offers home-visits throughout Herts. For more information visit

http://www.karenhastings.co.uk

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Panic Attacks And Panic Disorder

Anxiety attacks and panic? Please help?

Hello I'm about 95% certain that they have developed symptoms of panic attacks, anxiety and stress in the last 2-4 years. Initially, only tried to live with him but he a bad day. I went to my GP as reported Internet, but it seemed to take me seriously because I am 19 years old. End account everything that is recommended to relax and maybe try yoga. But im sure that Internet drugs are available. What should I do? I do not want pay for private care and drugs should be available on the NHS (British National Health Trust) as long as prescribed by the doctor

Drugs Temporily can treat anxiety attacks. Here is one method of panic Distance: 1. When panic arises wherever you are, just start look. Do not try to prevent or counteract the body's sensations. 2. Participate as much as possible in experience, they feel all sensations of your journey through your body. Do not label the feelings as good or bad. 3. When you feel the panic will run out of control and confidence in their ability to observe the fear diminishes, making