A panic attack occurs when you feel a sudden surge of anxiety that is overwhelming. The fear you feel causes your heart to pound and you may feel that you cannot breathe. You may feel sick to your stomach and lightheaded. If you do not treat your panic attacks, they can lead to panic disorder or other problems, such as avoidance of normal activities. Fortunately, panic is treatable, and the sooner that you seek help for this disorder, the better you will be as the treatment can help you to reduce or even eliminate the symptoms that you are feeling and help you feel like you are back in control of your own life.
In many situations, a panic attack will strike suddenly without warning. Sometimes there is no clear triggering cause of the attack. This panic attack can even occur when you are sleeping. Sometimes panic attacks occur only once, but normally they occur repeatedly. These recurrent attacks are usually triggered by a specific situation, like speaking in public, particularly if it has caused panic before. Typically the panic situation is one in which you feel you are threatened and are not able to escape the situation.
It is possible for you to experience panic attacks, and yet be otherwise healthy and happy. Your panic attacks can also occur as a part of another disorder, like depression, social phobia, or panic disorder. Panic attacks can be treated, and this is important to understand.
Panic attacks can happen anywhere and at any time. The signs and symptoms usually will develop rapidly and will usually reach their peak within only ten minutes. Most of these panic attacks will end within about 20 to 30 minutes, and they usually do not last for longer than an hour.
A panic attack that is full-blown can include a combination of symptoms. These symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, a choking feeling, trembling or shaking, chest pain or discomfort, feeling detached from the situation, nausea, upset stomach, sweating, feeling dizzy, faint, or lightheaded, numbness, tingling sensations, cold or hot flashes, a fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
You may have a panic disorder if you have frequent or unexpected panic attacks that are not tied to a particular situation, worry frequently about having a panic attack, or have changed your behavior to avoid places or situations that are similar to those in a previous panic attack.
The effects of a panic attack can last forever. The memory of the intense fear and the terror that you felt during the attacks can impact your self-confidence and cause much disruption to your life and emotional stability. This can lead to other panic disorder symptoms. The first is called anticipatory anxiety. Rather than being able to feel relaxed and regular between panic attacks, you feel tense and anxious due to a fear of future panic attacks. This fear is constantly present. Secondly, there is phobic avoidance. The avoidance may be based on your belief that you could be avoiding another panic attack in a similar situation. You also may find yourself avoiding places where escaping would be difficult or help wouldn't be available if you had an attack. This phobic avoidance is known as agoraphobia.
Causes of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
The exact cause of panic attacks and disorder are unknown, but it often runs in families. Severe stress can also trigger a panic attack. Life changes also can lead to increased risk of panic attacks. These panic attacks may be caused by medical conditions or other physical causes. If you are having symptoms of panic, you should see a doctor to rule out physical possibilities, such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, mitral valve prolapse, medication withdrawal, and stimulant use.
Treatment of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
The good news is that panic attacks and panic disorder are treatable. They are often treated using cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or both. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on thinking patterns and behaviors that are triggering your panic attacks. Exposure therapy for panic attacks is when you are exposed to the sensations you feel when you have a panic attack, but you are given other ways to handle the situation. The exercises cause similar sensations to those of a panic attack, but the goal is for you to become less afraid with each of the sensations so that you are in greater control.
Medications are another form of treatment for panic disorder. First, there are antidepressants, which are sometimes used to treat panic attacks, but be aware that they may take weeks to begin working. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that are quick acting and when taken during a panic attack, will provide quick relief of the symptoms you are experiencing. Be aware, however, that these drugs can be highly addictive and have serious withdrawal symptoms.
To help yourself, you should also educate yourself about panic and coping strategies, avoid smoking and caffeine. You should learn techniques to control your breathing. Relaxation techniques are also helpful as they increase your feelings of relaxation and joy.
