What causes panic attacks, anyway? The short answer is panic attacks are caused by high anxiety. Okay, but what exactly is anxiety? Anxiety is the most basic of all emotions, and is by its nature an unpleasant feeling or sensation. Anxiety is defined as a state of apprehension or fear resulting from the anticipation of a real or imagined threat, event, or situation.

Some of the possible symptoms of a panic or anxiety attack can include:

• Palpitations
• a pounding heart, or an accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath
• A choking sensation
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or stomach cramps
• Derealization (a feeling of unreality)
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of dying Numbness or a tingling sensation
• Chills or hot flashes

Anxiety is a sensation experienced by most of us, but few understand the panic attacks that, for some, come with anziety. Most people who have never experienced a panic attack, or extreme anxiety, fail to realize the terrifying nature of the experience. Extreme dizziness, blurred vision, tingling and feelings of breathlessness or worse can accompany an attack.

Studies have shown that the anxiety and panic come from a flight or fight response most of us experience. For the afflicted, panic attacks can prompt some to feel they have contracted an illness, or a serious mental condition. The threat of losing complete control seems very real and naturally very terrifying.

The flight/fight response produces reactions that when confronted with danger, the brain sends signals to a section of the nervous system. This response gears up the body in preparation for one or the other. To carry out these two vital functions, the autonomic nervous system has two subsections, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Scientists and mental health experts have debated over the years as to which treatments prove most effective and long lasting. More than 27,000 people have Joe Barry’s anxiety technique on-line with dramatic success. The technique is so simple and profound that even the medical establishment is starting to take note.

If you are a sufferer and haven’t found a way to overcome your attacks, I’d say your anxiety days are numbered. Visit Joe Barry’s page and finally live a full life.