Recognizing what triggers panic attacks and being prepared for their onset is the best method for managing them.

Many people who have never had panic attacks, or panic anxiety disorder, struggle to understand the experience. It is not a situation where the individual can just “get a grip”. It is neither a voluntary nor an easy experience do have. It is an all-encompassing, often paralyzing fear that takes away the person’s ability to be aware of what he or she is doing or thinking, causing irrational behaviors. Though it is possible to learn how to control the panic attacks, it doesn’t come naturally to most people as it is a completely overwhelming experience.

The trick to managing panic attacks in the majority of instances, therefore, is to learn the signs that they are coming on, and then to take the right steps to deal with them before they happen, instead of waiting until they have actually occurred. Once you’ve discovered the signs that indicate that a panic attack is about to happen, you can start paying attention to other details as well, such as the triggers that are causing the attacks to happen. At the beginning, most sufferers aren’t at all aware of the specific triggers that bring it on because panic attacks generally feel as though they come out of nowhere. It often feels as though symptoms simply come on out of the blue. However, over time, it is possible to notice signs that come on before the major symptoms. These signs may include an upset stomach, tense muscles, or a feeling that things are just somehow “wrong” and uneasy.

The warning signs of panic attacks should be taken very seriously as they are the main indicators that something will happen and are the green light for taking action to deal with them right away. This may mean taking yourself out of the situation, but if that is not possible, the increased awareness you have will give you the opportunity to implement other individualized strategies that you develop with your doctor.

Panic attacks that come with panic anxiety disorder are very severe. The person experiencing such an attack will be sure they are dying in that moment even though there is usually very little chance of physical harm from the attack. The person in question will feel as if they have chest pains or are having a heart attack, they may feel unreasonable terror and think they are about to die. They can develop tremors and numbness in the fingers, toes, arms and legs, and they can become dizzy with shortness of breath. The subject will have chills or hot flashes, will feel as if they are choking and may hyperventilate, having a racing heart beat, and may feel as if they are going to lose their mind.

There are a few things that lead to panic anxiety disorders. However, some can have these things in their lives without developing panic while others will get the disorder and need to be treated. It comes with other types of anxiety for some, doubling the problem. Women are twice as likely as men to get this condition, and there have been studies that point to genetics playing a role in this as well. Large amounts of stress that do not let up and traumatic situations can lead to someone developing panic disorder and attacks. Panic attacks generally happen to those in teenage and early adult years, but as with everything else, there are exceptions.

There are some common things that happen to those with panic disorder other than having panic attacks. Those with this condition may avoid any situation that they find stressful for fear of having a panic attack in front of others. They may end up relying on others for financial support and become addicted to substances like drugs and alcohol. They will avoid things they used to love to do, and may not wander more than a few miles from home. They are also prone to going to doctors or emergency rooms more often, and may attempt suicide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any signs of panic anxiety disorder, know that treatment is out there and it can be very successful in returning someone to their normal life. There is no need to spend life worried and anxious when the levels of stress involved become unhealthy. There are prescriptions and life changes that can help, along with therapy and some natural remedies.