Panic attack - how to manage it and treatment

Describes what is panic attacks

1. Panic attack

2. Table of Contents 4 Pathology 5 Treatment 1 Symtoms 2 Diagnosis 3 Recommendation 6 Conclusion

3. About Panic Attacks 1

4. Introduction A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause 1 .  The symptoms of a panic attack usually happen suddenly, peak within 10 minutes, and then subside .  However, some attacks may last longer or may occur in succession, making it difficult to determine when one attack ends and another begins (Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder - Symptoms and Causes, 2018) .

5. Symptoms 2

6. Fear and dread R apid heat beat S weating T rembling or shaking C hest pain or discomfort S hortness of breath H yperventilation N ausea D izziness N umbness or tingling C hills or hot flashes F ear of losing control (MSN, 2024)

7. Diagnosis 3

8. Diagnosis Diagnosis for panic attacks involves a combination of physical and psychological examinations . Here are the steps typically involved: (Clinic, 2023) Physical Exam : A complete physical exam is usually the first step of diagnosis . This can help rule out other physical conditions that might be causing your symptoms. Blood Test : Blood tests may be done to check for thyroid functioning, and other possible conditions . Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) : This test measures and records the electrical activity of the heart . It can help rule out heart conditions that might cause symptoms similar to panic attacks. Psychological Examination : This involves evaluating the stressful conditions and fears affecting your life .  A psychological self-assessment questionnaire may also be asked to be filled

9. Recommendation 4

10. Recommendations Avoiding situations Using substances Overexertion Ignoring physical safety (NHS, 2021) Remember that it will pass Take deep breaths ( 4 – 7 – 8 ) Smell something caming / find a peaceful spot to relax Focus on an abject (Smith, 2020)

11. Pathology 5

12. In terms of typology, panic attacks can be broadly classified into two types Expected Panic Attacks: These can usually be predicted, as you’ll know what triggers them. Unexpected Panic Attacks: These come “out of the blue” without an apparent cause. Additionally, Clark and Salkovskis (2009) identify three main types of panic attacks: Those that follow a period of elevated anxiety. Those where physiological sensations of anxiety are misinterpreted, leading to panic (e.g., “I’m shaking > There must be something wrong”) Those that appear to happen unexpectedly (What Is a Panic Attack?, 2023) . Concept and Typology

13. Treatment 6

14. Treatment It can help you understand panic attacks and panic disorder an learn how to cope with it . Psychotherapy Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Benzodiazepines. Antidepressants Medication

15. Common Cases significant life events , such as a loved one being seriously ill or tramamtic event like a serous accident , can trigger pain attacks . M ajor life stressors Activites that lead to intense physical reactions , such as excersie or excessive coffe drinking (Bennington-Castro, 2023) Physical triggers Chronic stress or a build – up of stress , as well as exhausation , can lead to pain attakcs S tress and Exhaustion Somoking or excessive cafine intake , and even certain medications , can triger panic attacks Substance use

16. Conclusions What is a Panic Attack? : A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. They can occur unexpectedly and suddenly, often peaking within 10 minutes and then subsiding. Symptoms : Symptoms of panic attacks include fear of loss of control, fear of impending doom, flashing visions, hyperventilation, palpitations, breathlessness, chest pain, sweating, shaking, headache, chills, nausea, abdominal cramps, dizzy feeling, numbness, and suicidal ideation. Causes : Panic attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors, including major life stressors, physical triggers, long periods of stress or exhaustion, and substance use. Diagnosis : Diagnosis for panic attacks involves a combination of physical and psychological examinations. Treatment : The main two treatments for panic attacks are psychotherapy and medication.

17. Viedo https://youtu.be/IzFObkVRSV0?si=AmRjUwu4Dy_khhOL

18. Question WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS NOT A COMMON SYMPTOM OF A PANIV ATTACK ? FEAR OF IMPENDIDNG DOOM HYPERVENTILATION INCREASED APPETITE SWEATING

19. Bennington-Castro, J. (2023, January 2). What Is Panic Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/panic-disorder/guide/Clinic, C. (2023). Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-attack-panic-disorderhttps://www.facebook.com/verywell. (2024). How to Recognize and Cope With Panic Attack Symptoms. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/top-symptoms-of-panic-attacks-2584270MSN. (2024). Msn.com. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/condition/Panic-attack/hp-Panic-attack?source=conditioncdxNHS. (2021, April 14). How to deal with panic attacks. Www.nhsinform.scot. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/anxiety-and-panic/how-to-deal-with-panic-attacksPanic attacks and panic disorder - Symptoms and causes. (2018). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021Smith, J. (2020, July 22). How can you stop a panic attack? Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321510What Is A Panic Attack? (2023). Psychology Tools. https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-is-a-panic-attack/ Reference

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