Those who have experienced a panic attack know that it is one of the worst experiences anyone can go through.
Imagine what it's like to be doing the normal things a person does each day, like walking along a busy street or taking the laundry, when all of the sudden, for no reason at all, he is overwhelmed by a fear so intense that it seems to smother the very life out of him.
He cannot breathe, he sweats and shakes, his heart races so much and his chest hurts, and he feels like dying.
Such is the terror called a panic attack.
After such an experience, a person would want to know above all how to prevent panic attacks from ever happening to him again.
Much research has gone into the phenomenon of panic attacks, but no one has really pinpointed its exact cause.
The suspected causes include genetics or heredity, brain chemistry, how a person handles stress, and an oversensitive amygdala (the part of the brain which controls how one responds to outside stimuli).
What is clear is that more and more Americans are suffering from panic attacks and the condition is called panic disorder, referring to recurring panic attacks.
Each year, some six million Americans endure the torment of panic disorder, while as many as one-third of all Americans have a panic attack.
A panic attack can happen to anyone, but the most common victims are those between 18 and 24 years old.
More women are affected by panic disorder than men.
To prevent panic attacks, doctors usually recommend a combination of therapy and medication.
The usual drugs prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are a kind of antidepressants.
Some anti-anxiety drugs may also be given, such as Xanax or Ativan.
These must be taken only when prescribed, and exactly as prescribed.
It often takes some time before their effect is seen, so one must be careful to follow the doctor's instructions strictly and not give up on the drug when one doesn't see any immediate effect.
One must also bear in mind that the drugs are not a cure.
They only eliminate or minimize the symptoms of a panic disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy also plays a crucial role in the prevention of panic or anxiety attacks.
This therapy teaches the person to recognize his thought patterns, which bring about the panic attacks.
Moreover, it teaches him to control such thought patterns and to use relaxation techniques to manage the symptoms of panic.
How to handle stressful situations without panicking is a main goal of cognitive behavioral therapy.
When this goal is achieved, the doctor may decide that it is now safe for the person to discontinue his medication.
On his own, there are a few simple things that the person can do to prevent panic attacks.
One of these is the avoidance of stimulants like coffee, tea, alcohol, and certain drugs and herbs.
Many asthma medications, for instance, have stimulants.
It is also important to get enough rest and sleep.
Exercise further helps, especially mild and moderate forms such as walking or jogging.
These release pent-up energy that may fuel a panic or anxiety attack, and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Drinking lots of water has been found out to be helpful as well.