Different Types of Panic Attacks Exposed
by Sandy Adamson

Why should we get concerned about different types of panic attacks? The answer is simple - different types usually indicate different level of complications and therefore ways of treatment vary. However, before we talk about the exact types of panic attacks, let us first make clear the difference between anxiety and panic.
We tend to, in our daily life, use these two words interchangeably without thinking about their subtle difference. We can hardly blame ourselves, though, as these two share a number of similar symptoms. The key difference is that panic attacks are more intense, but does not last long. Anxiety, as a contrast, is less intense and strikes you more gradually, but lasts longer.
Based upon whether a panic attack is associated with a triggering situation and how it connects to such situations, panic attacks are divided 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 association can be established between such spontaneous attack and any specific 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 flying or making public speech is your fear, exposure to these situations will result in immediate panic attacks. This 'prompted' attack is rarely found in people with panic disorder.
3. Situationally-predisposed Panic Attacks
This type is similar to Type Two in that both are situationally triggered. However, the difference is that the attacks only sometimes occur and may not always occur immediately after being exposed to to the feared situation. For example, if flying is your fear, sometimes you can take a flight without having a panic attack. In other times, however, your panic attack may start after you finish your journey 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 could experience this type of attack.
Among all types of panic attacks, some are merely phobias over a specific situation but others may be truly medical conditions you should be concerned about. It is reported that approximately 19 million American people are suffering panic attacks and they experience a variety of symptoms during the 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 be aware that chronic occurrence of panic attacks can be a sign of panic disorder, which deserve immediate medical help. Quite often, major disorders could totally stop 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. It has also been noted that some people are able to live with their panic attacks or manage to rid themselves out of the situation with self help techniques along.
Are your tired of the cliche deep breathing technique for treating anxiety? If so, you may like to check out the Linden Method. This unique and easy to follow method has not only cured over 100,000 sufferers worldwide, but also are well received by a big number of anxiety specialists.
(c) 2008 Sandy Adamson, All rights reserved.