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These are times of immense anxiety and/or stress, with or without triggers which can occur again and again.
If you have four or more of the following, you are having a panic attack:
Restlessness.
Shortness of breath.
Palpitations.
Sweating.
Shaking.
A feeling of choking.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Nausea.
Dizziness or faintness.
A fear of going crazy.
A fear of dying.
Numbness or tingling.
Chills or hot flushes.
Insomnia
If you have recurrent panic attacks, you fear having more attacks or change your behaviour because of such attacks, you may have panic disorder.
Unfortunately there are no definite causes of this. If you have had a panic attack you may live in fear on having another one, and this causes you more anxiety.
The underlying cause of panic disorder is not clear. There is evidence of a genetic, phobic and a biochemical basis.
Panic disorder may begin after a serious illness or accident, the death of a close friend, separation from the family, or the birth of a baby. Attacks may also accompany the use of certain illegal drugs. Most often, however, a panic attack comes "out of the blue"; it may even begin during sleep.
Treatment must be based on each individual case as the cause of panic attacks is not clear.
Psychotherapy offers support and helps to minimise the fearfulness of symptoms of the disorder. This is often enough to control the disorder, however if more attacks result, the patient may require additional measures.
A number of alternative techniques may help reduce anxiety.
Aromatherapy - Studies have shown that essential oil of lavender (Lavandula officinalis), neroli (citrus aurantium) and petitgrain (citrus aurantium) can relieve anxiety and stress. Dab these on wrists or use in bath.
Body Work - Yoga can relax the body and help with the anxiety that patients experience between panic attacks.
Herbal Therapies - A number of herbs function as relaxants and tranquillisers and may soothe anxiety. Try a tea made from skullcap, valerian, vervain, or lemon balm.
Hypnotherapy - Hypnosis is effective for many patients with anxiety or phobias, partly because the therapy itself brings deep relaxation.
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