Panic Attacks Support Group

Have you ever been overcome by an overwhelming sense of panic and anxiety? Have you ever suddenly broken out into a cold sweat and started trembling in terror? If you have then you have probably experienced a panic attack, one of the main panic disorder symptoms. If you think that you have panic disorder or if you know someone who does, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Panic disorder can be treated, allowing you to once again enjoy all aspects of life.

By Beno Goldfarb

A Spanish investigation proves the genetic origin of panic attacks and anxiety as well. They studied 1300 people in 10 years.It is first time that he finds a biological cause. Most of the patients had a double chromosome. This would allow developing new pharmaceuticals for coping with the genetic origin of panic attacks.

A study published earlier this year in the American Journal of Medical Genetics suggests that lymphoblast gene expression may be used to identify biomarkers for panic disorder. Researchers at the University of Iowa evaluated gene expression profiles in lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells) cultured from patients with and without panic disorder and found specific disorder- and sex-related differences [1]. A blood test for panic disorder and other mental health conditions based on the study results is being developed. However, a commercial diagnostic test may be premature as the study results are far from conclusive.

Hope this will help someone, who has considered applying for Social Security Disibility for their Panic Attacks.

PHYSIOLOGY OF ANXIETY...... I Found this article to be very informative and helpful in understanding Panic Attacks/Anxiety.  It is written clearly and full of explanations to the reasons our bodies and minds react they way they do to them. 

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.

Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.

Panic attacks were once dismissed as nerves or stress, but they're now recognized as a real medical condition. Although panic attacks can significantly affect your quality of life, treatment can be very effective.

Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at almost any time — when you're driving the car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides.

This Article was submitted by Panic Attack Group Member Angelonearth. 

Excellent tool to print out and use when panic attack stikes!

This article was submitted by TennisP in the Panic Attack Group.  :)

Very Informational and a Easy Read and filled with useful information.

This is a Guide, that explain Panic Attacks in great detail. 

I hope it will be a useful tool, in understanding Panic Attack Disorder and help in developing coping tools, and be a guide to taking back contol of the panics and living a full life again.  :)

Stay Calm, Get through the difficult days, and know in time it does get easier. 

Here's a simple breathing exercise that will restore your comfortable breathing and soothe many of the physical symptoms of a panic attack.

You may have already tried deep breathing and not had much success in soothing your panic symptoms. The reason for that is that most descriptions of deep breathing leave out a critical step. I'm going to show you how to do it right.

Your are not alone, there is hope & help out there for you, it's a matter of choice and finding what works for you.  Hope this article, will answer some of your questions. 

philphil46

The way you lead your life greatly depends on the way of your thinking. If you think positive then everything looks favorable to you and you will enjoy the life to the full extent. Many peoplehave panics that are very simple. The panic you have has something to do with your brain. If you can clear those fears off your brain you have overcome the panic attacks. This article focuses on the importance of positive thinking to fight panic attacks.

Panic attacks are characterized by symptoms such as increased heart rate, excessive sweating, dizziness and trouble breathing. Many people are aware of the fact that they are victims of anxiety or panic attacks. It is possible to fight the panic attacks very easily with some help from friends and family members. In severe cases a psychiatrist may be consulted who prescribes certain medications and therapy depending on the severity of the disease.

If you are very keen on fighting the panic attacks, then make up your brain to accept the fact that you are prone to panic attacks. Then learn to gain control over yourself whenever you feel that you are prone to attack. Whenever you get excited due to some reason start to count numbers from one to ten and you will automatically calm down. This curbs your anger and your brain will be in a position to think of the actual cause. Try to think in others perspective then you will not find any flaw. If you are panicking due to some reasons like you might fail the exam and that is raising your anxiety levels then think in a different angle. Think it in a way that you will get a chance to prove yourself in a better way. Never think of worst conditions. It will really worsen the condition. Positive thinking is not just enough; you should also work hard in those angles. Think of some beautiful scenery of the places you have visited or think of most memorable moments of your life. These thoughts help to refresh your mind and overcome the panic attack.

Specialists say that panic attacks can be easily overcome by exposing yourself to similar situations regularly. Until you get acquainted yourself to the situations, it is essential that you get exposed to conditions that are less severe. However, at least in the initial days, it is recommended to practice this tip under medical supervision. As a result of frequent exposure to negative conditions you will get used to them and will start to think positively. This takes great deal of time and demands great commitment from you to always think positively. The process of replacing the negative thoughts with positive ones is termed as cognitive behavior therapy and is most commonly used to fight panic attacks.

Sometimes, you might get into panic attacks when things around you change such as a new job environment. In such cases, you should slowly learn to fit yourself in your new conditions rather thinking that previous job was wonderful.

Lastly, it is all in your mind. You are the controller of your thoughts. Think positively and drive panic attacks away from your life.

Most of us lead very hectic lives. We work full time, our kids these days seem to be in all kinds of activities such as soccer and piano lessons. Then, we come home and try to make sure our family eats a good meal, then off to do who knows what until you crash into bed exhausted, only to wake up to the same routine all over again. Where is the "ME" time. There just isn't time for me anymore. No wonder so many people are stressed.