How to handle a panic attack?

A 5% of the Chilean population according to Davila Clinic , suffered a panic attack which, according to the same entity, tend to appear between the ages of 20 and 30.

German Berardo specialist in psychiatry Free Live Clinic indicates to The third that panic attacks are “a set of anxiety symptoms that appear suddenly and that they occur frequently without being preceded by any triggering event”.

In this way, the professional indicates that, during these, people feel “like a a sudden and unexpected fear that seizes them which occurs through “multiple sensations in the body and thoughts of disaster which makes people think “you’re about to losing control or having a serious health problem “.

Similar features described Daisy Benvenuto clinical psychologist, in La Tercera, who points out that, during panic attacks, an intense feeling of fear appears, which begins “at any time and in any place where the person is, as usual”. peak in minutes.

Although Berardo explains that anyone can experience this mentions that it happens with more common in adolescents and young people. Moreover, he comments that the Women “are twice as likely as men to suffer from it”.

Benvenuto states that although the panic attacks are not life threatening yes “they can cause exacerbated fear and significantly affect the quality of life.

In this context, the psychiatrist points out that the symptoms of these crises are diverse and that they are generally take about 10 minutes.

In this way, the professional comments that panic attacks are accompanied by at least four of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Pain or discomfort in the chest.
• Palpitations or variation in heart rate.
• Tremors.
• sweat.
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort.
• Feeling dizzy or unsteady.
• Feeling of unreality.
• Chills or sudden heat.
• Tingling in the legs or numbness.
• Fear of having a heart attack.
• Fear of losing control.
• Intense fear of dying.

Berardo points out that, to deal with a panic attack, the measures to be taken it will depend on the case. It is because if for the first time experiencing one, and the person experiences chest pain and shortness of breath, it is recommended to go to a medical center to rule out heart problems.

However, if the individual have had panic attacks in the past the specialist in psychiatry says “it’s the key Be aware that the danger of life experienced is not real l”, which mentions that “it can work over time with appropriate therapy but there are also relaxation techniques that can be put into practice when you are in crisis.

The professional indicates that one of these techniques “is breathe slowly and steadily putting all the concentration on exhalation “, as well as to serve “focus on muscle relaxation gradually throughout the body” or “divert the thought that begins to overwhelm you “.

If a person has a panic attack while in a public place it is suggested to search for “a quieter place where one can relax, rest and get out of the space in which the crisis occurred”.

In case of being with someone who is having a panic attack Berardo indicates that “the ideal is contain it, don’t overwhelm it with difficult questions but to talk to him in a simple and direct way, by showing him that we support him, that what he is doing is right and that he will get over it soon.

The clinical psychologist stresses that it is important that people seek help in time, as panic attacks rarely “go away on their own”.

For this reason, Berardo indicates that an effective treatment against these is the psychotherapy and medication although the latter can only be used in the event that a a medical specialist in psychiatry requires it .

However, even though these attacks may improve with professional treatment, the specialist psychiatrist recommends that people take the following precautionary measures to control the symptoms:

• Join a patient support group.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
• Perform relaxation techniques and physical activity.
• Get enough sleep.

In this same context, Benvenuto recommends, in order to minimize symptoms and decrease the frequency of panic attacks,share free time with friends visit places of nature, take whirlpool baths and practice sports”.

Although Benvenuto points out that unknown specific causes different factors can influence, one of them being the genetic.

Added to this is what Berardo explained, commenting that “family or professional conflicts sleep disturbances, traumatic events, excessive worry, smoking, caffeine, alcohol or other drugs of abuse” may also be causes of panic attacks.