It is quite normal for us to worry about some particular situation or incident. But sometimes the impact of the situation is such that we become over anxious and start panicking.  This panic response is due to the excessive flow of adrenalin into the blood, triggered by the circumstances.

We may experience our panicking behavior or response once in a while, and this is considered to be normal, as being caught suddenly in an unexpected situation may make anyone a bit worried and panicky. But panicking on nearly all odd situations or over something which may be handled wisely is a cause of worry in itself. 

Panic and Panic Attack

Panic is a result of our emotions in response to an odd and stressful situation or incident that we are suddenly caught in. Panic attack is different from panic as in the panic attack a person become panicky and experiences exaggerated fear or worry even in situations which other people may handle remaining relaxed and cool.  A study done by American Psychological Association states that panic attack is considered to be a disorder and it can be triggered by a person experiencing excessive anxiety over something which is not so worrisome otherwise.  People suffering from depression, having some anxiety disorder, or those who have suffered some traumatic experience recently or in the past, may be vulnerable to having panic attacks. 

Panic attack disorder is quite common in Americans, especially in those who are living alone in old age. A survey has revealed that around two people in every hundred have suffered a panic attack disorder previously or still having it. This number is a cause of concern to everyone.

Causes for panic attack disorder

There may be many causes for a person getting panic attack disorder. It may be due to some unpleasant memories of past which the person is not yet overcome from. These memories make him uncomfortable and he reacts to some situations in an abnormal manner. In some cases stress is the cause for panic attack disorder, especially in the case if a person is already going through depression or anxiety disorders. Such people tend to over react to the situations and feel excessive feeling of anxiety and fear which may result into getting them a panic attack.

Symptoms of Panic Attack

There are many symptoms of panic attack, but most of them are common to heart problems like heart attack etc. The common symptoms of panic attack are feeling short of breath, trembling and tingling sensation in hands, headache, excessive sweating etc. There is some sense of extra worry or fear in the person.

Steps to be taken

On finding yourself having had a panic attack or having symptoms similar to the one, the first and the foremost step is to visit a physician. Your physician will then decide whether your symptoms are of panic attack disorder or some other health problem, heart problems being one of them. Once you have been diagnosed properly and the chances of other health problems are ruled out, then you should consult a psychologist, and he will prescribe you the course of treatment, depending upon your condition.

Besides medicines, you should try to be happy and relaxed all the time. For this, you may do some relaxation exercises as a routine and encourage a hobby that you like the most.