The Panic Attack Mantra

Anxiety disorders are ubiquitous across human cultures. The longitudinal course of these disorders is characterized by relatively early ages of onset, relapsing or recurrent illness and periods of disability. Panic disorder and agoraphobia are particularly associated with suicidal tendencies.

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort that is associated with numerous physical and psychological symptoms such as:

* Palpitations

* Sweating

* Trembling

* Shortness of breath

* Sensations of choking or smothering

* Chest pain

* Nausea or gastrointestinal distress

* Dizziness

* Tingling sensations

* Chills or blushing

* Hot flashes

Panic disorder is about twice as common among women as men. Age of onset is mostly between late adolescence and mid-adulthood, with the onset relatively uncommon past the age of 50. Typically, an early onset of panic disorder carries greater risks of chronicity and impairment. Panic disorder also occurs as a familial condition.

The likelihood of developing anxiety involves a combination of life experiences, psychological traits, and genetic factors. There are several major psychological theories explaining anxiety-psychoanalytic, psycho-dynamic, behavioral and cognitive theories. Anxiety disorders are so heterogeneous that the relative roles of these factors are likely to differ. Some anxiety disorders, like panic attacks or panic disorder, appear to have a stronger genetic basis than others, although actual genes have not been identified. Other anxiety disorders are more rooted in stressful life events.

It is not clear why more women than men suffer from anxiety disorders, although some theories have suggested the possible role of steroids. Research on women’s responses to stress suggests that women experience a wider range of life events that are stressful as compared to men.

If you come under a panic attack. STOP. Use this mantra which has saved my life many times: