One theory to explain the cause of a panic attack is a falsely activated alarm system in the brain.
Doctors use the phrase panic attack to describe a specific, sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort.
These attacks are common and reportedly occur at least once for ten percent of the population.
But for some, these attacks can come again and again.
Recurring, unexpected episodes of panic of this kind are referred to as a panic disorder.
With this condition, panic attacks can occur frequently, even several times a day.
Individuals, fearing further episodes, become increasingly concerned about the implications, such as going crazy or the disruption caused to their lives and work caused by such random episodes.
Panic disorder also includes extreme behavior changes as individuals try to avoid places or situations that may trigger the attacks.
The normal protective and helpful sense of alarm that each of us has, seems to have become defective.
The defense mechanism for most sufferers has been disconnected from any reasonable or apparent cause and intensified to a degree that makes it almost unrecognizable.
The combination of these two features makes panic disorder both mysterious and disabling.
Studies have shown that from 4 to 6 percent of the population suffer panic attacks, and 4 to 5 percent of the population, suffer from panic disorder.
Both of these disorders are two to three times more prevalent in women.
Panic attacks can occur at any age and have been reported in young children as well as seniors.
The typical onset age is twenty five years old.
Most people report that their panic episodes begin around a time when an unidentifiable increase in stress or anxiety occurs.
The triggers that initiate the attacks can be things like personal relationships or failing health.
Panic disorder has a chronic course that, once established, is often present for life if left untreated.
If some form of treatment is taken, 30 to 40 percent of patients are symptom free after five years.
Another 50 percent still have symptoms but not bad enough to affect their lives significantly.
The final 10 to 20 percent still had symptoms strong enough to alter their lives considerably.
Anyone suffering from episodes of anxiety should consult a physician for a thorough examination.
If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, here are some serious decisions that need to be made.
Treatment is not an option because this disorder will not go away on its own.
Doctors use the phrase panic attack to describe a specific, sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort.
These attacks are common and reportedly occur at least once for ten percent of the population.
But for some, these attacks can come again and again.
Recurring, unexpected episodes of panic of this kind are referred to as a panic disorder.
With this condition, panic attacks can occur frequently, even several times a day.
Individuals, fearing further episodes, become increasingly concerned about the implications, such as going crazy or the disruption caused to their lives and work caused by such random episodes.
Panic disorder also includes extreme behavior changes as individuals try to avoid places or situations that may trigger the attacks.
The normal protective and helpful sense of alarm that each of us has, seems to have become defective.
The defense mechanism for most sufferers has been disconnected from any reasonable or apparent cause and intensified to a degree that makes it almost unrecognizable.
The combination of these two features makes panic disorder both mysterious and disabling.
Studies have shown that from 4 to 6 percent of the population suffer panic attacks, and 4 to 5 percent of the population, suffer from panic disorder.
Both of these disorders are two to three times more prevalent in women.
Panic attacks can occur at any age and have been reported in young children as well as seniors.
The typical onset age is twenty five years old.
Most people report that their panic episodes begin around a time when an unidentifiable increase in stress or anxiety occurs.
The triggers that initiate the attacks can be things like personal relationships or failing health.
Panic disorder has a chronic course that, once established, is often present for life if left untreated.
If some form of treatment is taken, 30 to 40 percent of patients are symptom free after five years.
Another 50 percent still have symptoms but not bad enough to affect their lives significantly.
The final 10 to 20 percent still had symptoms strong enough to alter their lives considerably.
Anyone suffering from episodes of anxiety should consult a physician for a thorough examination.
If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, here are some serious decisions that need to be made.
Treatment is not an option because this disorder will not go away on its own.