There is a psychological condition that many people suffer from, commonly referred to as a panic attack. This is very similar to an anxiety attack were someone experiences an irrational amount of fear that can actually debilitate them both mentally and physically. A person that suffers from these on a regular basis is most certainly dealing with a significant mental and emotional imbalance that causes the apprehension or fear to be so intense. The onset of this condition can be extremely sudden, prompting them to find some type of psychological help or medication that can help prevent these attacks from occurring. Here is an overview of how they occur, why they occur, and what if any treatments are available for panic attacks in children.
How Panic Attacks Begin
To understand how they begin, you must look at several different aspects of this condition as they will not be the same for each person. For example, it can be a long term problem, one that is the result of environmental factors that someone experienced for an extended period of time, that have created a cumulative amount of negative emotions and memories within their body and mind. They can have a biological problem which is related to an imbalance of hormones and neurotransmitters. Finally, they could be triggered by something in the environment that is short-term, such as the breakup of a long-term relationship, that comes out of nowhere. This can actually cause the panic attacks to manifest and they will show up when triggered by things that are related, not necessarily by the same condition every time. To recognize a panic attack, here are a few of the symptoms that you will see with people that have these so that you will know what is going on.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Panic Attack
Some of the symptoms are actually quite extreme. People may vomit, faint, become known, or feel as if they are having a heart attack. Their breathing can become very shallow, and also very rapid, all signs that a panic attack is occurring. The reason that all of these different symptoms can occur is because it is tied directly to the sympathetic nervous system. This can also lead to trembling, hot flashes, sensations of smothering or choking, or they may actually become paralyzed.
Remedies For Panic Attacks
On a pharmaceutical level, benzodiazepines are often given to people that have this condition. This has a way of reducing the impact of the triggers that occur, and therefore will reduce the overall experience. Therapy can be used, but it takes quite a while to actually develop a new pattern to follow to replace this one that revolves around particular triggers and reactions. Many psychologists will actually recommend replacing those memories with something that is actually real such as getting into a new relationship and the panic attack was caused by a recent breakup, or any activity that can distract your conscious mind.
Stopping Panic Attacks In Children
You can stop panic attacks by doing a couple different things. First of all, it’s always good to have someone with you when you are experiencing this condition. If they are able to comfort you, hold you, and tell you that it will be okay, you should have no problem at all recovery just moments after it begins. If you are alone, it is good to take deep breaths, go on a walk, or simply distract your mind by doing something physical. The more that you think, the less likely it will pass of its own accord, so physical distractions are recommended. To stop panic attacks in children, if the parent is there, they can provide the verbal and physical response that is needed to help them called down and feel safe. It is not recommended for children to use any type of pharmaceutical as this could cause problems with their early development. Finally, you need to distract them with a story, take them for a walk, or watching a movie with them at home. The key is to distract the conscious mind from what they are afraid of, and in doing so, the trigger that has caused the panic attack will no longer have its power, and you can help them find relief once they have occurred.