When a panic attack strikes, the sufferer usually experiences a sudden feeling of terror. These attacks typically strike without warning and can happen at home or in public. These attacks can be extremely scary, causing many sufferers to think something life threatening is happening to them.
There are many symptoms associated with a panic attack including fear, anxiety, dizziness, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and disorientation. Symptoms can also include nearly irresistible impulses, even though the person realizes that their thoughts are irrational. These impulses might cause excessive skin picking, hand washing, rearranging items, or lock checking, just to name a few. Shaking, breathing trouble, and a strong desire to get away from the current situation or also common symptoms of a panic attack.
The symptoms can be psychologically and physically overwhelming, often causing sufferers to feel as if they are dying, having a heart attack, or even going insane.
As you can see, the symptoms of panic attacks are very unpleasant and disturbing. Most of these 
symptoms can give the person the feeling that their body is malfunctioning or failing, but the body is simply protecting itself from potential harm. While panic disorders are not medically dangerous, it is important that the condition be properly diagnosed by a doctor in order to rule out a more serious condition. Many of the symptoms are similar to symptoms of other serious or even life threatening conditions.
There are some treatment options available including antidepressants, anti anxiety drugs, supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and mood stabilizer medications.
While there is no definitive cause for panic attacks, it is believed that stress is largely responsible. Individuals that are suffering from a panic disorder will be able to lessen the severity of their symptoms if they can identify what type of situation “triggers” an attack. Being able to identify the triggers and respond to a situation can stop or even prevent a panic attack. Many people are able to treat their panic attacks effectively by using specific relaxation techniques. Some people use these techniques along with herbal supplements that promote relaxation.
There are numerous guides available that teach relaxation techniques and give suggestions on herbal remedies. These guides offer an effective method for treating panic attacks naturally, with little or no risk of unwanted side effects.
