The Panic Attacks appear to come without any warning. Panic attacks with extreme symptoms affect 1 in 10 according to the 1997 National Health Survey and Wellbeing. People find it difficult to describe what they are experiencing.

A person may have a panic attack (for any number of reasons including stress) this is when a fear develops that the attack may happen again, so then the situation is avoided. The person then avoids the perceived situation in which they experienced the panic attack, due to its frightening and maybe embarrassing outcome. A fear can develop from almost anywhere, shopping centers, airports, public transport, theatres, aircraft, quiet streets, stores, or church.

WHAT FACTORS CAN CAUSE THIS CONDITION TO DEVELOP?

The persons first panic attack may occur following illness, stress of loss, major life stress, separation or death of a family member or a close friend. Sudden life changes can bring emotional stress.

Long term stress that builds up without the person knowing, then panic attacks are experienced which can gradually develop into agoraphobia. A vicious circle then develops, with the fear helping bring on the panic attack. Agoraphobia is further reinforced by feelings of hopelessness, anger and guilt about the condition itself.

The attack is always followed by severe anxiety which can include several of the following symptoms:

• Heart Palpitations
• Sweating
• Breathing Difficulties
• Giddiness
• Tingling or Burning
• Swallowing Difficult
• Feeling Faint
• Chest Pain
• Hot or Cold Flushes
• Trembling
• Choking Sensations
• Indigestion
• Pins and Needles
• Tunnel Vision/Blurred Vision
• Diarrhoea
• Feelings of Unreality
• Wobbly or weakness of the legs

Panic Buttons:

Triggers for panic are different for everyone, but these are some of the common ones.

• Stress
  One persons stress is another’s thrill, and only you know if a situation is an exciting challenge or a overwhelming crisis. Be aware of the situations that cause you negative stress and try to change or avoid them.
• Drugs
  Too much alcohol, coffee and nicotine can trigger a panic attack, as can ecstasy and marijuana.
• Sleep Deprivation
  Lack of sleep makes you jumpy and less able to deal with stress.