Unless you have experienced a panic attack first hand, there is a good chance that you may be able to identify the symptoms. Here we discuss the symptoms of panic attacks so you can determine when it’s time to seek help before it’s too late.

While panic attacks tend to occur without warning and without reason, they tend to elicit overwhelming fear in all who experience them. The symptoms of panic attacks are commonly much more intense than the feeling of just being stressed out with most sufferers classifying the experience as terrifying. Research shows that the number of people who suffer from panic attacks is much larger than some may think with about 33% of adults suffering from some form of panic attack each year. Many may experience an isolated attack, while others may feel that the symptoms of panic attacks have become part of their daily life.  These attacks are also commonly part of other disorders like anxiety, panic, social phobia or even generalized anxiety disorder.

While the symptoms of panic attacks present themselves in people who are suffering from another form of anxiety disorder, anxiety and panic should not be considered one in the same. The big difference between the symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety attacks is the length and intensity of the symptoms. Panic attacks tend to be episodes that are much more intense and last for a shorter period of time, while anxiety attacks tend to me more gradual, less intense but last for longer periods of time.

The physical symptoms of panic attacks are commonly an increased heart rate and the feeling that your heart may jump right out of your chest. Many sufferers have reported feeling dizzy, stick to the stomach, and a difficulty catching their breath. Some may think that they are dying or going crazy which may be why the symptoms are most commonly confused with those of a heart attack.

While the symptoms of panic attacks may reach their peak in a matter of only 10 minutes, it is common for the sufferer to experience at least four of the following symptoms. They are:

  • A shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations, pounding hear or increased heart rate
  • Pain in the chest
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Feeling like you are choking
  • Sweating
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal or stomach pain
  • Feeling unsteady, dizzy or faint
  • Feeling like you are detached from yourself
  • Fear that you are losing control or going crazy
  • Having a fear of dying
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Cold or hot flashes
  • Difficulty swallowing

Majority of panic attacks will last for only 20 to 30 minutes but the more severe attacks can last as long as an hour, which can make the symptoms of panic attacks almost unbearable. Panic disorders differ from a panic attack because the sufferer will experience frequent and unexpected attacks. When a person begins to worry constantly about another panic attack occurring, and they have made significant life changes in order to avoid potential triggers, they will be diagnosed as having a panic disorder.

Many who experience the symptoms of panic attacks will not seek treatment simply because they think that they cannot be treated. They may also fear what others may think of them if they admit to the fact that they actually have a problem, so instead they suffer needlessly in order to keep their problem a secret. Treatment for panic attacks does exist and can help sufferers tackle a variety of symptoms so they can lead a normal life. Since the stress associated with anticipating an attack can cause many to avoid social situations, treatment can help identify the triggers so they can live life free of the anxiety that their worry has caused.

 

copyright Patricia Adams






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