Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks

Panic attacks and suffering from them, does not automatically mean you are suffering from Panic Attack Disorder. A disorder by definition means a recurring event that needs to be managed and treated, whereas a panic attack in its own right may be a once off thing that may only last a matter of a minute or two. There is a difference between panic disorder and panic attacks. After a succession of unexpected or unexplained attacks, your doctor or medical professional may in fact diagnose you as suffering from Panic Attack Disorder.

It may sound silly, but with panic attacks it may actually be that your fear of having an attack can actually cause an attack to occur. This is why it is best to not think about Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, until you need to, and when they arrive, implement the many available techniques to effectively reduce their impact and the associated discomfort.

Initially a panic attack can be very scary. It can hit the victim out of the blue, appear for what seems no apparent reason, and it can cause symptoms that are often mistaken for more serious medical issues. Some people believe that they are in fact having a stroke, heart attack, or even dying, and none of these is the case, if it is simply a panic attack. On its own, a panic attack cannot do you any real harm. However left untreated and allowed to develop into the more serious Panic Attack Disorder, the results of an attack can be at times, a little more intense.

During the onset of an attack, it is common to feel disoriented and maybe confused. You can feel fear and stress, anger and aggression, and all of these symptoms can lead to irrational and/or unwanted behavior problems, that in turn can become more than they seem. The philosophy of the “fight-flight” response is that when a panic attack victim is presented with symptoms, they either want to stay and fight the fear or threat, or flee the scene to remove oneself from the environment.

Some people experience the heart pounding and immediately think they are having a heart attack, and check themselves into the nearest hospital. This is not a bad thing, as any chest pain or discomfort should be treated with an element of urgency, and the hospital will run through all the usual tests to determine exactly what may be causing the problem.

Although there is a difference between panic disorder and panic attacks, always remember that any symptoms that persist beyond what would be considered a normal timeline, should be checked by your medical professional. It is always better to be safe, and at least when you do this you will have the advice of a professional to consider. Without it, you are left wondering what it is and how you can best deal with it.

There are many ways to treat either a panic attack, or the more persistent Panic Attack Disorder, and some may not require medical intervention. With Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, as with any other form of illness, there are as many natural and alternative methods of treatment as there are theories about where the illness originates. Check with your doctor if symptoms persist after trying any of these treatments, and get your condition under control, to live a stress free life without anxiety.