Introduction:
In my line of work I have witnessed more than a few panic attacks. I also have a very close friend who suffered from panic attacks. Though I don't claim to be an expert, I have researched anxiety panic attacks and may have information that you will find valuable. Upon witnessing a panic attack, I would do what I could to help. However, without first researching the matter, I'm afraid I may have been no help at all. I began checking the internet and talking with professionals in the area of panic attacks. Hopefully you will find the information that follows useful. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting a physicain. Anyone who suffers from panic attacks is advised to consult their physician.

You are not a not a wierdo, many people experience panic attacks.

A panic attack is defined as:
The sudden onset of intense anxiety, characterized by feelings of intense fear and apprehension and accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and trembling. Also called anxiety attack.

panic attack. (n.d.). The American HeritageŽ Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved November 14, 2006, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/panic attack

Who is affected by panic attacks:
Panic attacks seem to affect women more than men. Children do not tend to experience panic attacks nearly as often as adults. Indirectly, panic attacks affect not only the person experiencing them but those around the person suffering from panic attacks. These episodes can cripple a person's ability to interact socially and will likely even affect their job performance.

Causes of panic attacks:
Panic attacks can come and go frequently. In between panic attacks you may be asking yourself "why is this happening to me?". Often there is no apparent trigger and other times, a particular trigger is obvious. For example, you may experience a panic attack every time you drive through a tunnel or when you're in a large crowd. Nailing down a specific cause of panic attacks is difficult. Some believe panic disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Whatever the cause, having frequent panic attacks can be alarming in itself. Many people fear that that the panic attack itself will kill them and rush to the emergency room with no other physiological symptoms.

Often the anticipation of future panic attacks contribute to the anxious nature of the sufferer and become sort of a "self fulfilling prophecy". It is important that panic attack sufferers learn not to fear future panic attacks.

Panic attack remedies:
Panic attack treatments include everything from medications to diet changes and counseling. If your panic attacks are brought on by a specific trigger, removing that trigger may be a reasonable measure. Please consult your physician if you are experiencing panic attacks.

In my friend's case, she was not having any luck with the medicines or counseling. She has successfully stopped her panic attacks after purchasing a book she found online, "Panic Away" . I'm still not sure how this book was able to help her when doctors and psychiatrists were not; but nonetheless, she swears by this book and says she has not experienced a panic attack since reading it. My advice is to consult your physician first and then if you are not having success, you should try the book. The price you'll pay for the book will be well worth it if it stops your panic attacks as well.

Hopefully this information is helpful to you or someone you care about.