A panic attack is a sudden period of intense anxiety, physiological arousal, fear, and discomfort. A panic attack may begin without an apparent reason. While panic attacks affect people differently, victims often experience a strong feeling that they are dying or experiencing a heart attack. Some people may only experience one or two panic attacks in their lives. Others may have several panic attacks and continued fear that they will experience another one. This continual fear may be a sign of a chronic panic disorder.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/panic-attacks/DS00338
The reason why only certain people are affected by panic attacks is still unclear. Genetics and stress are believed to play a part. However, it is a mystery why many individuals have panic attacks when danger is not present. At one time they were classified as nervousness or stress, but today they are recognized as a real medical condition.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/panic-attacks/DS00338
Panic Attack Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Trembling/shaking
- Chest pain
- Numbness
- Tightness in the throat
- Problems swallowing
- Hyperventilation
- Chills
- Fainting or feeling like one might faint
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Hot flashes
- Sense of impending death or danger
- Increased pulse
- Elevated heart rate
- Sweating
Tips for Dealing with a Panic Attack
- Anxiety and panic attacks are often triggered by the anticipation of what could happen. Focus your thoughts on the present. Staying in the present instead of entertaining the "what ifs" will help lower the level of anxiety.
- Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques, like those found in yoga and meditation methods. Slowing your breathing will not magically get rid of the panic attack but it will help you work through it.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and illicit drugs. They can all trigger panic attacks or make them worse.
- Get moving with light aerobic exercise to help calm your mood.
- Accept that the panic attack is just that...panic. You can still function with feelings of anxiety and panic.
- Don't feed the feelings of panic and anxiety. Reassure yourself, "I'm not going to die. I'm not losing my mind. It's just a panic attack. It will go away."
- Get the required amount of sleep. Being tired will only increase the feelings of anxiety and panic.
- Try not to associate a place, action or thing with your panic attacks. For instance, simply because you experienced an attack while in your car doesn't mean it will happen every time your enter the vehicle.It is not the place or thing that caused it. Making that association will lead to anticipation, which will only lead to further anxietyhttp://www.anxietyandstress.com/dealingwihpanicattacks.html
How to Alleviate or Help Someone Having a Panic Attack
This featured video explains ways that you can help someone that is experiencing a panic attack. Take the time to listen to them and offer some comfort. Reassure them that things will be all right. Assist them if they need something. Don't put them down or try to tell them that they are being silly. Instead, be supportive and try to help them in any way that you can.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for information on panic attacks.
References
Fast Facts
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Alternate name
Sometimes referred to as the fight or flight response.
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Duration
Approximately 10 minutes
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Prevalence
Affects 1 in 75 people
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Fact:
A panic attack may feel like a heart attack.
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Fact:
Panic attacks occur in women more often than men.
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Fact:
Attacks affect different ethnic groups equally.
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Fact:
Panic attacks usually begin in late adolescence or in the 30s.
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Fact:
An estimated 2 to 6 million Americans suffer from panic attacks.
