Share:
Panic Attacks - When anxiety is no longer a normal feeling
All people have fears and worries. Some are afraid of exams, others are afraid of spiders or flying. It is considered perfectly normal to be anxious on certain occasions. But there is also pathological anxiety that arises without such triggers. Experts explain what you can do then.
Fear is something normal
Fears and worries are widespread. Some are afraid of the dentist, others of snakes or spiders. In appropriate situations, affected persons then develop symptoms such as palpitations, inner restlessness or respiratory distress. Fear is basically something normal, but when fear is unfounded and gets out of hand, experts talk about an anxiety disorder. Around a quarter of all people undergo such a mental illness once in their lifetime. The medical center for quality in the medicine (ÄZQ) summarized in a patient information worth knowing over normal and pathological fear as well as over treatment possibilities.
Various relatively simple measures can be taken against the panic attacks in everyday life. (Image: Antonioguillem / fotolia.com) Different types of anxiety disorders
Fear protects us in some situations and can even be life-saving. However, an anxiety disorder is not a fear of a real threat. Those affected are overly afraid or afraid of things or situations that other people find normal. There are different types of anxiety disorders. One of these is the panic disorder, which is often associated with fear of death or panic attack. In a generalized anxiety disorder long-lasting fears and worries lead to tension, inner restlessness and nervousness. A social phobia causes one to be afraid of a negative assessment by other people. And in a specific phobia, sufferers are afraid of single things or situations that are not dangerous in themselves, such as spiders, spraying or flies. Such disorders can also be associated with physical complaints such as palpitations, sweating, tremors, dyspnoea, nausea, chest tightness and dizziness.
Affected persons should seek help
People who have a tingling feeling in the elevator or are disgusted by spiders, therefore have no anxiety disorder. As the experts of the ÄZQ explain, one should however look for the discussion with a doctor or therapist, for example, if one considers more than half of the day over own fears. Or even if the quality of life and freedom of movement are severely limited, you become depressed or have thoughts of suicide. In addition, those who fight their fears with drugs or alcohol, or whose partnership or workplace is at risk for fear, should seek help.
Anxiety disorders are easily treatable
As a rule, anxiety disorders are good to treat with psychotherapy or even medically. It is also known that endurance sport can be helpful against anxiety disorders as well as relaxation techniques for reducing stress. In case of panic attacks, small tips can help against shortness of breath, anxiety and palpitations. For example, by being aware that the attack is usually over in ten to thirty minutes. The treatment depends on the current anxiety disorder, but also on the personal wishes and ideas. By itself, anxiety disorders rarely disappear. And even successfully treated anxiety disorders can recur in the rest of life.
Face the anxiety-provoking situations
The patient information section gives some tips on what people can do to deal with their anxiety. The most important thing is to face the fear-inducing situations and not flee from them. In addition, it helps to make it clear that signs of anxiety such as palpitations or dizziness do not lead to harmful consequences such as fainting or heart attack. Those affected need not be ashamed to visit a doctor or a psychological counseling center: "No one chooses his illness," write the experts. With the help of crisis relief, it is easier to accept help offered by friends or family. One should be aware that treating an anxiety disorder takes time. (Ad)