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What is the Connection Between Panic Attacks and Fear?

Nat Robinson
Nat Robinson

The connection between panic attacks and fear is that a panic attack consists of feelings of erratic and unbalanced fear. Generally, fear will conjure very strong emotions in everyone who experiences it, however for some, this feeling can become overwhelming. In fact, some people can become so overridden with fear that they go into a full state of panic. Usually, in most cases, the heightened sense of intense fear manifests for no plausible reason. Fortunately for suffers of panic attacks and fear, there are multiple treatment options available.

In general, the causes of panic attacks are not specific. Stress is commonly viewed as one of the biggest contributors to panic attacks and fear. In many cases, one particular stressful or traumatic situation may lead to the onset of panic attacks and continuous fear that the situation will reoccur. Genetics may also play a part in panic attacks, as the attacks occasionally run in families. In addition, changes in normal brain function may also be a cause.

A person experiencing a panic attack may feel as though he is having a heart attack.
A person experiencing a panic attack may feel as though he is having a heart attack.

A person who experiences panic attacks and fear may be exposed to a variety of different symptoms. Some people get shortness of breath, dizzy and feel as if they're about to faint. Intense sweating, an elevated heart rate, numbness and nausea can also be symptoms. At times, a person having a panic attack will have chest pain and when coupled with the other common symptoms, one may feel as if he or she is having a heart attack. In general, a panic attack can lead to an overall feeling of dread or impending doom.

Fear conditioning is at the heart of most anxiety disorders.
Fear conditioning is at the heart of most anxiety disorders.

To get a diagnosis of panic attacks and fear, an individual should seek assistance from a medical professional. A person having panic attacks will generally visit his personal doctor first. This is usually because symptoms of a panic attack can be similar to those of many health conditions. A general physician will customarily perform an in-depth examination to ensure that nothing is physically wrong. Once that is done, the doctor can recommend the best method of treatment, which may be to visit a therapist or psychiatrist.

In general, the causes of panic attacks are not specific.
In general, the causes of panic attacks are not specific.

The treatment methods a professional may attempt to stop panic attacks can vary. Simple relation techniques may be enough to control panic attacks that are infrequent. Individuals with frequent attacks may be prescribed various types of panic disorder medications. Therapy may also be recommended for patients who may benefit from talking over potential fears with a psychiatrist or therapist.

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    • A person experiencing a panic attack may feel as though he is having a heart attack.
      By: Dan Kosmayer
      A person experiencing a panic attack may feel as though he is having a heart attack.
    • Fear conditioning is at the heart of most anxiety disorders.
      By: David Stuart
      Fear conditioning is at the heart of most anxiety disorders.
    • In general, the causes of panic attacks are not specific.
      By: kmiragaya
      In general, the causes of panic attacks are not specific.
    • The causes of panic attacks are generally not specific.
      By: blanche
      The causes of panic attacks are generally not specific.