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The Cause of Panic Attack Symptoms

The onset of a panic attack can happen at anytime; you could be at home, in your car, in public, or virtually anywhere and researchers have not yet pinpointed the direct cause of panic attack symptoms. Many researchers believe the cause of panic attack symptoms is a hereditary condition, while others believe stress or fear is the main cause. Although there is no defined cause of a panic attack, the symptoms always remain the same in every victim. Research has shown that a panic attack reflects the same symptoms as a life threatening experience. The same fear that is felt in a life-threatening situation tends to be the same fear felt during a panic attack.

You Aren’t Really Dying

The symptoms in a panic attack cause a person to feel a sudden tightening of the chest followed by an extreme increase in their heart rate. The increased heart rate will then cause the person to feel nauseated, dizzy, and sometimes the person may even faint. Some people who experience the cause of panic attack symptoms may even feel as if they are dying. These types of symptoms can last for anywhere from a few minute to a couple of hours.

There was a time when doctors looked at the cause of panic attack symptoms as an effect of stress or nerves. This diagnosis was then overlooked and the patient was sent on their way. Now, doctors may treat the panic attack with a medication schedule to help prevent any future attacks. Counseling may also be recommended to help a person understand the probable cause of a panic attack and also ways to handle an oncoming attack.

Medications Available to Help Alleviate the Cause of Panic Attack Symptoms

There are many medications now on the market that will help with prevention or the cause of panic attack symptoms. Doctors have been prescribing anti-depression medications such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil. These medications relieve the effects and sometimes eliminate the panic attack all together. The medication helps to relieve the anxiety levels in a patient, which is believed to be a main cause of a panic attack. This medication will cause the patient to feel more relaxed and less susceptible to experience an attack.

Along with the medication, the doctor will more than likely refer you to a cognitive behavior specialist. During a cognitive therapy session you will experience two different types of therapy. The first session will concentrate on behavioral therapy and the other cognitive therapy. The cognitive therapy will help you realize the believed cause of a panic attack and also what may trigger or worsen your attack. The behavioral therapy will teach you different ways manage the cause of a panic attack. Common behavioral exercises will involve relaxation techniques and concentrated breathing techniques.

The combination of these two therapies will attack the believed cause of a panic attack and prevent future attacks. A panic attack can be a very frightening experience and sometimes dangerous. Although you will make it through a panic episode, future treatment is highly recommended. Do not ignore a panic attack if it happens, seek help and get to the root of the cause to avoid a future attack.