Panic attacks are often a vary troubling issue for those who suffer with them. They range in severity and frequency, often having many different contributing factors. This makes them hard to deal with. Luckily, there is information and treatment options available to those who need it.

These episodes are also called anxiety attacks. There are a variety of ways this condition can manifest in the sufferer. The classic definition for the issue is a sudden and sometimes intense onset of emotion. There is no way to predict how severe an attack will be or how long an attack will last. Luckily, the attacks are usually very mild. In extreme cases the panic and emotions involved can be troubling and even debilitating.

These attacks are very common. For most people they are very infrequent, often only occurring once or twice over the course of their lifetime. Others, unfortunately, may suffer with the issue chronically. When this is the case, it can be a sign of a chronic condition known as panic disorder. Once dismissed as merely nerves or stress related, panic disorder has since become recognized as a real and potentially serious medical condition.

Generally, the impact of panic disorder is psychological. They have the potential to impact our social lives and our professional career. Some people may avoid certain social functions because of fear of an attack, or avoid an important business trip because a fear of flying may spur an episode. They can also be dangerous if they occur while driving a car, operating heavy machinery, or participating in some other dangerous activity. Cases this extreme are fairly rare, with most attacks being quite manageable and posing no physical threat.

The causes of these episodes are a bit mysterious and often difficult to identify. Sometimes there is a psychological trigger that causes the events. There are also many factors that increase risk. These include an individual's genetics and their family history, as well as a variety of mental health issues. Other potential factors include stress, sleep patterns, and dietary habits.

Symptoms of an episode manifest both physically and mentally. They usually occur very suddenly. The sufferer may begin sweating, with an increased heart rate. Other physical signs of an episode include flushing, trembling, nausea, and shortness of breath. There are many emotional states that an individual may experience, usually fear and apprehension. They also may experience feelings of guilt, depression, and a sense of impending doom.

There are many treatment methods for those who need them. Often, something as simple as stress relieving exercises and breathing techniques can be enough to stall the attack and relieve symptoms. Other times, cognitive behavior therapy is utilized in an attempt to address whatever mental issues and triggers may be causing the panic attacks. A doctor may also prescribe numerous types of medications that may help the individual suffering. Doctors also advise that you get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.

Panic attacks are very common and rarely serious. However, they can have adverse effects on the life of the sufferer and can present some potentially dangerous situations if they occur at bad moments. For this reason, an official diagnosis should be done by a doctor. Your doctor can then direct you toward the treatment method that is appropriate for you.