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These are times of
immense anxiety and/or stress, with or without triggers which can occur again and again.
What to look for
If you have four or more of
the following, you are having a panic attack:
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.
Many people with panic
disorder relate an attack to what they were doing when it occurred. However the cause of
the panic attack may not be that simple.
(See Phobias.)
Also See Anxiety
Causes
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.
Traditional Treatment
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.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
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. (See our
aromatherapy section for more details).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. (See our
aromatherapy section for more details).
Body Work -
Yoga
can relax the body and help with the anxiety that patients experience between panic
attacks. 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. 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. Hypnosis
is effective for many patients with anxiety or phobias, partly because the therapy itself
brings deep relaxation.
Dietary
Considerations
Magnesium has a tranquillising action. Speak with
your doctor about taking this mineral. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and
sugar.
Prevention
You can take steps to
lessen the chance of attacks and learn to manage them better.
Learn to recognize a
panic attack. And use self-talk to walk yourself through it. Speak nicely to yourself.
Try not to be so critical
of yourself and remember that you will improve and that it does take time.
When to seek further
professional advice
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