Panic attacks and anxiety driven life styles.

Our cultural standard is one of constant activity and busyness in peoples lives. More than anything else we live by the standard of a work ethic which sees us more as machines than human beings. To make things worse , thousands of American and people throughout the world suffer from panic/anxiety attacks which can range from mild to serve and may require hospitalize. There are many reasons for these attacks but under the surface of them all is the emotion of fear.

• The symptoms of a panic attack
  
  raging heartbeat
  difficulty breathing, feeling as though you 'can't get enough air
  terror that is almost paralyzing
  nervous, shaking, stress
  heart palpitation, feeling of dread
  dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
  trembling, sweating, shaking
  choking, chest pains, distress
  fear, fright, afraid, anxious
  hot flashes, or sudden chills
  tingling in fingers or toes (pains and needles')
  fearful that you're going to go crazy or are about to die

In any given year, about 1/3 of American adults have at least one painstaking; most of these adults never develop repeated panic attacks. This startling data means that anxiety attacks and panic disorder are the mistakenly emotional disorder and is more common than depression, bipolardisorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD, phobias, alcohol abuse or depression.Anxiety and panic disorder also has the lowest rates - about 21% - forseeking help and finding it. Sadly these numbers are on the rise every day.

There is one key factor that makes the difference between those who fully eliminate panic attacks from their lives and those who do not. The key ingredient is not medication, lifestyle changes, or relaxation exercises. It is when the individual no longer fears the thought of having a panic attack. This may seem like a simplified and obvious observation but give it careful consideration. The one thing that has you searching for a solution to anxiety and panic attacks this very moment is the fear of having another one. After a person experiences a panic attack for the first time, the experience can be so impacting that it leaves a strong imprint on the persons psyche. This imprint generates a cycle or loop of anxiety (see diagram) whereby the person develops an unhealthy fear of having another panic attack. People can spend anywhere from months to years caught in this repetitive cycle of anxiety.

What can you do?

There are many different treatment options, everything from anxiety treatment programs, guided imagery,progressive relaxation,hypnosis, Anxiety counseling and of course the medical drug treatments. The most important factor is not to allow such attacks to continue without seeking proffessional help.Panic attacks masquerade as a variety of medical disorders.

Panic attacks mimic some medical conditions almost completely, causing years of misdiagnosis. These are hypoglycemia, complex partial seizures, drug effects, heart arrhythmia and hyperventilation syndrome. Panic partly mimics others: angina, asthma, irritable bowel, colitis, vertigo, mitral valve prolapse, post concussion syndrome, hypertension, postural hypotenuses, and Italy hernia. Almost everyone who panics believes they have a serious physical illness, and go from doctor to doctor for several years as symptoms shift. Yet panic is easily diagnosed by professionals experienced in panic.

Anxiety attack statistics

Approximately 2.4 million Americans suffer from Anxiety Panic disorder this means is that panic attacks are a major concern for a large part of the population. There are many trips to the emergency Room because panic attacks are thought to be heart related 7.2% of all adults, or 1 in 15, have a panic disorder which is a primary part of their disorder, (NIH, 1993). In any given year, about 1/3 of American adults have at least one panic attack; most of these adults never develop repeated panic attacks. This startling data means that a phobia/panic disorder is the most common emotional disorder, more common than alcohol abuse or depression. Phobia/panic disorder also has the lowest rates for seeking help and finding it, about 22%. Phobia is the most common and the most hidden condition at the same time.

We, at Carolina Family Counseling, invite you to take your time and call us about comprehensive information we have gathered regarding anxiety attacks and panic attacks over the years so you can make an informed decision as to the best course of treatment that would best fit you. We are located at 4801 E. Independence Tower, Charlotte, NC and our phone number is (704)-734-3440. Thank you.