Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Panic Attacks

Understanding panic attacks may be more difficult for a person who has never had one. To the person that gets them, it can be like a near death experience. I know a few people who get panic attacks but I could not comprehend how real it was to them. After talking to others who have had panic attacks I realized what a major impact it could have on ones life. I choose to write this newsletter not just for the people who get panic attacks but also for the people who were like me. I did not realize how real these panic attacks are and how they can play a major role in someone life.

Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults according to the Anxiety Disorder Association of America. A panic disorder is three times more common in women than in men and typically develops in early adulthood. A panic attack is defined as the sudden onset of extreme fear that reaches a peak within minutes. People, who experience out-of-the blue attacks, can become preoccupied with the fear of a recurrence of such attacks. These panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, even while asleep. If you have at least four of the following symptoms you could be experiencing a panic attack.

A feeling of imminent danger
A fear of losing control
A fear of dying
Things being unreal
The need to escape
Depersonalization
Heart palpitations
Chest pain
Chills
Sweating
Trembling
Shortness of breath
A smothering feeling
A feeling of choking
Nausea
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Tingling sensation

This affliction may go unchecked due to fear or embarrassment to tell anyone about what they’re experiencing. Instead of seeking help, they continue to endure these symptoms instead of getting help or support. If you or a family member displays the symptoms of panic attacks, tell your doctor and get treatment as soon as possible. The disorder is real and it can be highly responsive to medical treatment.

If anyone is ever in the need to recall their medical information when experiencing a panic attack it could all be there quickly and accurately with a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. If you have a loved one you want to protect tell them to set up an account. Just go to www.medfn.com to get started. You don’t need a health condition to use MedFN.com just a desire to be safe.