Panic attack symptoms; Panic disorder symptoms; Panic attack treatment

Panic attacks produce intense fear that begins suddenly, often with no warning. An attack typically lasts for 10 to 20 minutes, but in extreme cases, symptoms may last for more than an hour. The experience is different for everyone, and symptoms often vary.

Common symptoms associated with a panic attack include:

• racing heartbeat or palpitations
• shortness of breath
• feeling like you are choking
• dizziness (vertigo)
• lightheadedness
• nausea
• sweating or chills
• shaking or trembling
• changes in mental state, including a feeling of derealization (feeling of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• chest pain or tightness
• fear that you might die

The symptoms of a panic attack often occur for no clear reason. Typically, the symptoms are not proportionate to the level of danger that exists in the environment. Because these attacks can’t be predicted, they can significantly affect your functioning.

Fear of a panic attack or recalling a panic attack can result in another attack.

What a panic attack feels like

Hear from real people who have experienced a panic attack.

What causes panic disorder?

The causes of panic disorder are not clearly understood. Research has shown that panic disorder may be genetically linked. Panic disorder is also associated with significant transitions that occur in life. Leaving for college, getting married, or having your first child are all major life transitions that may create stress and lead to the development of the panic disorder.

Who is at risk of developing panic disorder?

Although the causes of panic disorder are not clearly understood, information about the disease does indicate that certain groups are more likely to develop the disorder. In particular, women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

How is panic disorder diagnosed?

If you experience symptoms of a panic attack, you may seek emergency medical care. Most people who experience a panic attack for the first time believe that they are having a heart attack.

While at the emergency department, the emergency provider will perform several tests to see if your symptoms are caused by a heart attack. They may run blood tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart function. If there is no emergency basis to your symptoms, you will be referred back to your primary care provider.

Your primary care provider may perform a mental health examination and ask you about your symptoms. All other medical disorders will be ruled out before your primary care provider makes a diagnosis of panic disorder.

How is panic disorder treated?

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on reducing or eliminating your symptoms. This is achieved through therapy with a qualified professional and in some cases, medication. Therapy typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and actions so that you can understand your attacks and manage your fear.

In addition to these treatments, there are a number of steps that you can take at home to reduce your symptoms. Examples include:

• maintaining a regular schedule
• exercising on a regular basis
• getting enough sleep
• avoiding the use of stimulants such as caffeine

What is the long-term outlook?

Panic disorder is often a chronic (long-term) condition that can be difficult to treat. Some people with this disorder do not respond well to treatment. Others may have periods when they have no symptoms and periods when their symptoms are quite intense. Most people with panic disorder will experience some symptom relief through treatment.

How can panic disorder be prevented?

It may not be possible to prevent panic disorder. However, you can work to reduce your symptoms by avoiding alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine as well as illicit drugs. It is also helpful to notice if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety following a distressing life event. If you are bothered by something that you experienced or were exposed to, discuss the situation with your primary care provider.

To be fully healed and feel no more pain or suffering we have to give it enough focus to ascertain the roots thereof!

Today I am infinitely grateful for the blessings I received and I am now, in turn, to inspired to use my gifts to help and heal others!

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