Many studies have indicated that fish oil supplements can be highly effective for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems and this is thought to be because the Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are important for proper brain function. So before looking at whether a daily dose of fish oil will help with panic attacks we will explore what panic attacks are, who gets them and why they happen.
What are panic attacks?
Panic is an extreme anxiety reaction and a panic attack can be an intensely frightening experience for someone who suffers from one. A panic attack generally lasts only for a matter of minutes but during this time the actual physical symptoms can be so severe the sufferer is afraid they might die, and yet these symptoms have nothing whatsoever to do with any physical illness. They include:-
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Chest pains
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fear of dying
- Feeling out of control
- Thoughts that you are losing your mind
Who gets panic attacks?
Around 5 percent of the population are likely to experience a panic attack at some point. It can happen to anyone at any time although it appears to be more common in young adults and in women.
Why do we get panic attacks?
No one knows what actually causes panic attacks but they can be triggered by stressful life events such as bereavement, redundancy or divorce, although sometimes there is no obvious reason for them at all.
What is known is that panic attacks originate in the part of the brain known as the Amygdala which plays an important role in memory, emotional reactions, and in controlling how we respond to fear and anxiety.
How can we control panic attacks?
If you experience an occasional panic attack then there is usually no official treatment other than to be given reassurance that there is nothing physically wrong with you. If you have many panic attacks and are suffering from a panic disorder then you may be offered drugs and/or counselling to help you cope.
So what about fish oil and can that help?
Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA or Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic acid. These two essential fatty acids are important for healthy brain development (DHA) and for proper brain function (EPA).
What is interesting is that many people suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, and other mental health problems, are often found to be deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids, which is maybe why they are proving so helpful in alleviating the symptoms of mental health problems in general.
Also we should consider that there is some evidence that fish oil improves memory, concentration and focus and is a natural brain booster. So if the brain doesn't get enough EPA, and yet this is the fatty acid required for healthy brain function on a daily basis, then we can understand that the brain may not function as efficiently as it could.
When there isn't enough Omega 3 in the diet, the brain uses replacement fatty acids that are not really up to the job so although your brain won't stop working altogether, over time a diet that is deficient in Omega 3 could result in lack of concentration and focus, impaired memory, depression and yes, possibly panic attacks.
Although more research is required to be sure, the chances are that a daily dose of EPA fish oil could help your brain to operate more efficiently in general and therefore enable you to cope better with stress and anxiety which may reduce the severity of panic attacks and maybe even eliminate them altogether.
