Diagnosing a panic attack may not be as straightforward as you think. The emotional triggers can be very different from one person to another. If you think you are suffering from panic attacks you should first speak to your GP outlining the symptoms you are having.
He will then consult your medical records and run a series of tests including a physical examination, in order to rule out other complaints that carry the same or similar types of symptoms such as a heart condition, or thyroid problems.
You may also have to answer a string of questions associated with your eating, drinking and other social activities, including the taking of recreational drugs and alcohol.
These type of questions may seem personal but are very important in Diagnosing a Panic Attack disorder.
There are other factors that need to be considered in order to meet a legal criteria for the diagnosis of a panic attack disorder, which are:
* Frequent, unexpected panic attacks
* Avoidance of situations which you believe may trigger another attack
* Worrying about experiencing another attack
* That the attacks themselves, are not triggered by substance abuse or any other underlying mental health condition, such as agoraphobia or other social phobia.
If, after all the test have been carried out you meet the above criteria, then you will have been properly diagnosed as having panic attacks, and will be offered conventional medical treatment.
The medical profession has for years been studying the human mind in order to determine why people suffer from this type of disorder.
Although not 100% accurate, a lot of very good theories have been thrown into the mix.
And probably the biggest theory is that a life changing event or “stressor” may have occurred during a persons life that triggers that first attack.
The death of a loved one or family member, being involved in, or witnessing a traumatic accident or violent crime, suffering a major illness or health problem, unemployment and all the financial hardships that are associated with losing a job.
Any of these can be attributed to causing the stress that causes a panic attack.
But it may not just be the bad things that have occurred in an individuals life that can cause enough stress to trigger an attack.
Something as happy and joyous as getting married, or the actual planning of a wedding can be very stressful. A new addition to the family and all the financial pressures that this brings can multiply stress levels.




