The symptoms of panic attacks can be terrifying, especially when the victim is unaware of what is happening.
One person said that they felt like they were dying during a panic episode. Another person said, 'I felt intense anxiety and fear all at once, without any real reason.' It felt like I was having a heart attack. A third said, 'I felt like I could not breathe.
Anyone can experience panic attacks. A panic attack will affect 3540% of people at some point in their lives.
The effects usually last between a few seconds and a half-hour, but rarely more than an hour. The physical and emotional effects can last for several hours.
Symptoms
Along with anxiety and fear, other symptoms include:
Feeling like you are having a heart attack, a racing heart, or heart palpitations
Feeling short of breath or as if you are choking
Sweating
Feelings of dread or foreboding
Fear of losing control or your sanity.
Irrational thinking
Feelings of disconnection or detachment
dizziness
Muscle tension
Trembling or shaking
Tingling in the hands and arms
Hot or cold flushes
Dry mouth
nausea.
Panic disorders
People can feel anxiety or panic when they're sick, stressed, or injured. However, these feelings usually resolve and do not recur.
They can be very crippling if they happen frequently or for a long period of time. It is possible to become fearful of them. Some people may begin to avoid situations that they believe could trigger an attack. For example, leaving the house, going into crowded areas, or being alone Even if they have a panic disorder, they may have an attack just thinking about it.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.
Causes
The autonomic nervous system orders the body to release a cascade of chemicals, including cortisol, adrenaline, and other chemicals that prepare the heart, lungs, and muscles for fighting or running away. This is the so-called "fight-or-flight" response. This occurs very quickly.
When the body is in fight-or-flight, even if there's no danger or trigger, a panic attack can occur.
These attacks can occur when someone is asleep in bed, watching TV on the couch, or even cooking dinner.
Some additional factors can cause the body to be more likely than others to enter fight-or-flight mode.
An abrupt (acute), stressful event, trauma, or shock, such as losing a loved one or witnessing an accident.
Stress chemicals can be elevated when there is chronic (ongoing) stress, such as excessive work stress, for a prolonged period of time.
Stimulants and medications can cause anxiety. Alcohol and other drugs may also trigger panic attacks. Sleep patterns can be affected by stimulants, and a lack of sleep can cause anxiety.
Physical changes can be caused by diseases such as hyperthyroidism or brain injuries.
Panic symptoms can be caused by cardiac disease, inner-ear problems, or asthma.
Some people can be triggered by a sudden change in physical conditions or environment or by intense physical activity.
Hyperventilation, or breathing too deeply or too much for too long, can trigger the fight-or-flight response by lowering levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.
What to do when you have a panic disorder
Remember that even though the symptoms may feel unpleasant, they do not pose a threat to your health.
Avoid self-talk that is centered on symptoms. For example, tell yourself, "Relax!" or "Don't panic!"
You can try to focus your attention on something outside your body that isn't a symptom. Try to recall a beautiful movie scene, a favorite holiday memory, or the words of a poem or song that you love. Some people find that doing math in their heads, counting backwards (say from 100), is a great way to divert their attention.
Avoid escaping the situation or place (unless it is truly dangerous). Try to focus on something else while you wait for the symptoms to subside. You can gain confidence in your ability to cope with future situations.
Treatment
Consult your doctor if you are experiencing panic attacks to make sure they're not the result of an underlying condition and to find out what treatment options there are. They may include:
Understanding anxiety and panic attacks
Relaxation, stress management, and problem-solving techniques
Lifestyle modifications for diet, sleep, and exercise
Psychotherapy
