In the 21st century, which can also be called the age of stress, stress and various fears cause psychological disorders in individuals, and these disorders are increasing compared to previous years. Panic attack is the most common and even an important disease seen in almost one in every 80 people.
What is a Panic Attack?
Panic attack, in its simplest definition; It is a seizure of fear that manifests itself at uncertain times and causes people to be terrified and lose control when it occurs. Its defining feature is that it recurs at unexpected times. This situation, which can also be called a crisis, begins suddenly, becomes more severe in a short time, and reaches its peak in about 10 minutes. This crisis can last up to half an hour and will pass. Sometimes it may last 3-5 minutes, sometimes it may take up to 1 hour.
Panic attacks may occur only once in a person's life, or this disorder may manifest itself at various times throughout life. Research has shown that the recurrence of the disorder depends on certain triggering factors, which can also be called phobia. For example, when someone who is afraid of heights starts to experience this fear, panic attacks may recur.
This mental disorder, also defined as "fear of fear" - according to Stanford University Faculty of Medicine research - causes palpitations, respiratory failure, chest pain. and causes similar symptoms of anxiety such as dizziness. It becomes an uncontrollable fear after the disaster scenario produced by the subconscious, thinking that it is a disorder that will cause major problems such as a heart attack or inability to breathe.
What are the Symptoms of a Panic Attack?
There are approximately 14 symptoms of this disorder. However; Experiencing one or more of the symptoms is not enough to diagnose a panic attack. The occurrence of at least 4 of the following at the same time may indicate this disorder.
Heart palpitations
Tremors
Sweating
Inability to breathe
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Feeling of fainting
Feeling of seeing the surroundings differently
Fear of losing self-control
Fear of death
Tingling
Feeling overwhelmed by heat
General panic Even though patients come to the hospital complaining of a heart attack after the attack, they feel somewhat relieved when they learn about the problem. However, the possibility of experiencing the same situation again creates a bigger problem in daily life.
What are the Triggering Reasons for Panic Attacks?
Problems caused by irregular and ready-made food and eating habits in blood sugar
Very frequent deep breathing
Allergies and disorders in the digestive system
Medicines taken as antidepressants
Drugs, foods containing caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes
Physical pain
Disorders that disrupt the body's balance and control
It would be wrong to say anything clearly as it is still in the research phase whether the things listed above will definitely trigger the attack. However, it should be taken into consideration that there is a high probability of triggering it.
Does Everyone Suffer from Agoraphobia?
Patients actually acquire a new phobia in order to avoid experiencing the terrible fear they previously experienced for the rest of their lives. They don't want to be in the same situation if they can avoid it. Agoraphobia means staying away from places where panic attacks occur or similar ones.
60% of those who have attacks experience agoraphobia and do not want to approach such places in order to eliminate the possibility of a new attack. At the same time, they are afraid of being alone because there will be no one to help them, and they also do not want to go out alone, use public transportation or be in crowded areas for fear of embarrassing others.
Can Panic Attacks Be Treated?< br /> Panic attacks can be treated with scientifically proven methods. The important thing is that the patient is determined and willing during the treatment process. While it can be treated with medication, the most effective method in this regard is psychotherapy. After the patient's history, disease process and other disorders are carefully examined by an expert psychologist, the appropriate course of action is determined.
Is Psychotherapy Enough?
We have explained above what triggers a panic attack. Physically, these issues should definitely be taken into consideration and a specialist physician should be consulted for therapy. The most effective psychotherapy method in the treatment of panic attacks is cognitive behavioral therapy. Anxiety over thinking styles and behaviors that cause the disease It aims to address the disorder and fears in a more realistic way. It helps you to logically evaluate what you may encounter as a result of just a hand tremor or heart palpitation, and to re-evaluate the attacks from this perspective.
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