Panic Disorder

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In the world of behavioral therapists, however, panic attacks begin and end not with brain chemicals but with thoughts and actions.

Therapists say particular types of people are most prone to panic attacks.

Perfectionists and overachievers are more likely to have anxiety overflow.

No matter what causes panic attacks, doctors and therapists agree the real trouble starts after the first attack.

Singer Carly Simon once confessed not only to panic attacks but to a secondary and similarly crippling fear: that of more panic attacks.

A fear of an attack returning can cause the development of other phobias, such as performance anxiety, claustrophobia or the fear of the outdoors.

Those suffering panic attacks often visit emergency rooms and eventually undergo thousands of dollars worth of tests before realizing that their heart is not the problem.

Therapists focus on other behavioral changes, including ones that are simple and effective.

"In general, when a panic attack is coming on, the best thing to do is slow down," says Vinson.

"Walk more slowly, talk more slowly, breathe more slowly." Breath control is key in the therapy provided by Fort Worth therapist Margaret Summy.

A lack of smooth breathing is associated with anxiety.

"People who have panic attacks hold their breath and are not aware of it," Summy says.

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- PHOTO: Nicole Kidman says she suffers from panic attacks before she hits the red carpet for awards ceremonies.

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Full Text Women's Health—Advances in Knowledge and Understanding DeAngelis and GlassJAMA.2006; 295: 1448-1450.

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