What Are Panic Attacks? What Causes Panic Attacks?
Millions of people around the world suffer from panic attacks. With the current economic situation this number is rapidly increasing. This is not surprising but it is important that people realize that worry can have detrimental effects on your immune system and, obviously, on your enjoyment of life. When this worrying becomes a great fear, leading to an anxiety disorder or panic attacks, then it is important the individual seek help.
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The symptoms of a panic attack may include: overwhelming fear; a feeling that you have done something dreadfully wrong but you don’t even know what it is; dizziness and fear of falling; your heart rate is very fast; there is a tightness in your throat
What causes panic attacks? Here are some of the main causes: stress; family conditioning; traumatic experiences as a child or an adult; social pressures; chemical imbalance - especially of seritonin; phobias. The list goes on. Mainly it is the mind that is causing these panic attacks and we can control our thoughts. However, it does take practice to do this. We must become aware of our thoughts.
First, one must decide if the fear is related to a real problem or to an imagined problem. Second, one needs to decide on a course of action which will deal with this problem. Third, the individual must take action. Talk therapy with a psychiatrist can assist in this process.
Cognitive-behavior therapy is another approach; it is a combination of cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. With cognitive therapy, a person learns to understand their thoughts and beliefs and can plan changes. Behavioral therapy helps a person to change specific actions.
However, while many people can benefit from this form of treatment, there are others who will do better with other treatments. Hypnosis and meditation can assist in the process of uncovering the fear which is causing the attacks and which the person may not even be consciously aware of. Relaxation techniques, yoga, exercise and acupuncture can help in relieving anxiety. 
Anti-anxiety medications can alleviate the symptoms of the attacks but only the person afflicted can uncover the underlying fear and decide how to deal with it.
One group of these anti-anxiety medications is known as "benzos". Common drugs classified as benzos are Xanax, Valium, Serax, Rohypnol, Halcion, Librium, ogadone, and Ativan, among others. Benzos are considered very mild tranquilizers, they slow down your central nervous system. As with any medication there are side effects to be aware of. These include drowsiness, dizziness, mental confusion, impaired judgment, and memory loss. But the most important one is they are very addictive and, once dependant, it is very difficult to get off of. Addiction can can be produced in just a few days.
There are alternative medications such as: St.John’s wort, chamomile, magnesium, passion fruit, kava, and others available in the natural health stores. Again, these need to be taken with the knowledge of what side effects there may be.
For the person suffering from anxiety disorder or panic attacks - and who may be feeling very low and depressed - asking for help is the most important first step.
There are cures for panic attacks and you need to find the one that works best for you. If the attacks continue it is important to find a doctor, one that works for you, one with whom you feel at ease. Don’t be afraid to go to more than one doctor. Second and even third opinions on your medical condition are a good idea. Different doctors will recommend different kinds of treatment and this will help you to see what the various treatments are available for you. Ask questions and become knowledgeable.
Learn how to overcome panic attacks. It is your body and your mind and you need to know how and what you can do to be healthy and happy and make the best decisions for you, your body and your life.
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