One in ten is at risk of a mental attack. The existence of sudden anxiety attacks became known not very long ago. The reasons why this problem occurs are still little known. Many people do not know how to deal with panic.
A mental or panic attack is a sudden attack of extreme fear. It develops rapidly and reaches its climax in a matter of minutes. The onset of the disease does not depend on the time of day. The ailment can begin even during sleep.
Causes of occurrence
The nature of panic can be one-time or be a signal of serious mental problems. A panic attack can be caused by a loss of psychological balance.
In turn, they provoke it:
- stress;
- somatic or mental illness;
- chronic fatigue;
- stimulant drugs;
- presence of problems.
In adolescence, the first attack usually occurs. Panic can begin during pregnancy, after the birth of a baby, during menopause. The disease provokes significant changes in the hormonal background of the body.
The internal prerequisites of the disease include: neuropsychic diseases, alcoholism, drug addiction. In the absence of certain health problems, the disease does not appear.
Panic attacks aren't the only signs of disorder. Pathology is diagnosed according to several criteria:
- increased sweating;
- shiver;
- chills;
- increased heart rate and heart rate;
- feeling short of breath;
- abdominal pain accompanied by nausea;
- discomfort in the left side of the chest;
- dizziness;
- light-headedness;
- feeling of "goose bumps"
- numbness of the limbs;
- the presence of a feeling of unreality of what is happening;
- fear of death, going crazy, committing an irreparable deed.
Of the considerable number of manifestations in a panic attack, at least four are combined. At the same time, the anxiety does not leave the patient for ten minutes. After the illness passes into a new stage, manifested in the form of fear to go out on the street, ride on public transport.
The longer this condition lasts, the higher the risk of developing depression with a decrease in social activity, increased fatigue, decreased appetite, and sleep disorders.
Treatment methods
You can control and relieve seizures yourself. It is important to follow the instructions exactly.
Independent
There are several methods, however, breathing control is considered the most effective: Breathing is slowed down to four to five breaths per minute. Take the deepest possible breath, hold your breath for a couple of seconds and exhale deeply.
It is optimal to perform actions with closed eyes to feel the movement of the lungs and muscles. The panic subsides after a few breaths. Soon the problem disappears completely.
If you find signs of a mental attack, you should contact a therapist. The specialist will send you for the necessary analyzes and an electrocardiogram.
Additional consultations of an endocrinologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist and neuropathologist are possible. Treatment is selected individually.
Three options are likely:
- taking a course of special drugs;
- hypnosis;
- psychotherapy.
Medication
Getting rid of with medication is the most popular way. It is most effective in treating the disorder. The most common are tranquilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics.
In each case, treatment is carried out taking into account the course of the disease and the presence of symptoms accompanying the problem. The treatment takes place in two stages. At the first, the psychic attack is eliminated.
On the second, prophylaxis is carried out to exclude the recurrence of seizures with their consequences in the future. Tranquilizers eliminate manifestations in 15-20 minutes.
However, a significant disadvantage of this option is the possibility of getting used to drugs and the development of dependence on them. After that, the action does not bring relief. Irregular use leads to increased panic attacks.
Tranquilizers cannot completely cope with the disease. They only eliminate symptoms temporarily. For this reason, drugs are used as ancillary rather than basic means.
Depressants not only help to get rid of, but also remove excessive anxiety, unreasonable fears, and destroy panic attacks.
Antipsychotics act as adjuvants. They have a delicate effect on the body with excellent relief of symptoms accompanying attacks.
At the second stage, the achieved results are consolidated. Stabilizing therapy is applied. Simultaneously with the treatment, the secondary manifestations of the problem are eliminated.
The specialist begins with the appointment of a minimum dose with the obligatory control of the action. The use of tranquilizers and antidepressants for self-medication is unacceptable.
With a competent approach and the implementation of all recommendations, healing is practically guaranteed. For a more effective fight, an integrated approach is used.
Psychotherapy and hypnosis
Along with medicines, specialists use psychotherapy. Its course continues after the withdrawal of drugs to facilitate the treatment process.
Sessions start with symptomatic and end with deep psychotherapy. In the first, the problem is seen as a symptom. The doctor helps to understand the development of an attack, recommends independent methods of dealing with it. Usually the duration of the stage does not exceed three months.
When conducting deep sessions, the reasons provoking panic are revealed. Long-term work can take years. The doctor is studying the patient's inner world. Ultimately, the cause itself is eliminated.
The psychologist teaches the patient to concentrate on the merits, and not on the search for their own shortcomings. An optimistic attitude and positive thinking will help get rid of the disease. Then it is guaranteed that no panic attacks will return.
Combining medication and psychotherapy helps speed up the healing process. This technique allows you to train the algorithm of actions during possible future attacks.
Psychiatrists practice hypnosis as a healing method. The essence of the effective method is simple: during hypnosis, the patient receives attitudes that relieve him of anxiety.
After the session, the patient feels lightness, cheerfulness and energy. A significant disadvantage of hypnosis is the short duration of the effect and the non-universality of the method.
Problem prevention
People with increased anxiety often live in chronic stress. He lowers the stability of the organism from critical points. The last straw that triggered a psychic attack can be any unforeseen circumstance, for example, a minor conflict at work.
There are simple recommendations to help improve your condition and reduce emotional stress. The risk of developing the disease is reduced. One of these techniques is a contrast shower.
Alternating hot and ice water will help boost your mood. You can use the method as a general strengthening one.
It is important to douche yourself, only then the effect is possible. Always start the procedure with warm water. The icy one replaces it after a few seconds.
The next method of prevention is muscle relaxation. There are many ways to relax. You can easily find the right option. The nervous system suffers from constant lack of sleep. Adequate sleep will help you avoid the onset of anxiety.
Physical activity is very useful. It is important to select the correct intensity. The main condition is to get pleasure. Only then is there a benefit to the psyche.
Eating regularly will keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. This reduces the risk of developing the problem. It is better to exclude stimulants in the form of coffee, energy drinks, alcohol and cigarettes.
A panic attack can be prevented. To do this, you need to keep your own emotions under control and monitor your mental health.
