Different Types Of Panic Attacks

Different Types Of Panic Attacks
Before we dive into learning the different types of panic
attacks, it may be worthwhile to first clarify the
difference between anxiety and panic. In our daily
communications, people tend to use these two terms
interchangeably without realising their difference. Sure,
these two have lots of in common with respect to their
symptoms, but panic attacks usually last only a short
while, though more intense. As a contrast, anxiety strikes
you more gradually, is less intense, but lasts longer.

Based on whether a panic attack connects to a triggering
situation and how it connects to such situations, panic
attacks are grouped into three types:

1. Unexpected Panic Attacks

This type of attack is often associated with panic
disorder. It occurs spontaneously without any clear
reasons, and irrespective of whether you are relaxing or
working. In other words, no connection can be established
between such spontaneous attack and any particular
situation or place. As you may have seen in the movies,
people can be awakened from sleep with this type of attack.

2. Situationally-bound Panic Attacks

As its name suggests, this type of panic attack is
triggered by a specific situation. For example, if you
fear flying or public speaking, exposure to these
situations will result in immediate panic attacks. This
'cued' attack is rarely experienced in panic disorder.

3. Situationally-predisposed Panic Attacks

This type of panic attack is similar to the above one in
that it is also triggered by a specific situation. However,
the difference is that the attacks only sometimes occur and
may not always occur immediately after exposure to the
feared situation. For example, if flying is your feared
situation, there are times when you take a flight without
having a panic attack. In other times, however, your panic
attack may start after your journey is over for some time.
In other words, you are predisposed to having attacks while
taking flights, but the attacks are not a sure response to
the fear of flying. People with panic disorder may
experience this type of attack.

Among all types of panic attacks, some are merely phobias
over a specific thing but others may be pathological
illnesses. It is reported that approximately 19 million
people in the United States are panic attack sufferers and
they experience a variety of symptoms during panic attacks.
Many, however, do not take panic attacks seriously or
believe they deserve treatment as a medical condition. It
is true that many people who have experience of panic
attacks never have further episodes or complications.
However, you should keep in mind that chronic occurrence of
panic attacks can be a sign of panic disorder, which
deserve immediate medical help. Quite often, major
disorders could prevent a sufferer from pursuing normal
daily routines.

Dependent on the different types and levels of panic
attacks, the actual medical treatments vary. Traditional
medicine, psychotherapy, and alternative medicine and
practices can all be used as ways of treatments. In many
other instances, however, people are able to live with
their panic attacks or use self-help techniques to get out
of the situations.

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