Panic attacks are extreme anxiety attacks characterized by physical, emotional, and mental panic or terror. Symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, and fear of losing control. Panic disorders are treatable with antidepressants and cognitive behavioral programs.
A panic attack is an anxiety attack in its worst form. These episodes are characterized by extreme physical, emotional, and mental panic or terror, usually centered around an abnormal fear. The symptoms of an attack are often likened to a whole-body “fight or flight” sensation that is borderline as if danger is at hand.
A panic attack can start as generalized anxiety, an uneasy feeling that turns into extreme physical symptoms, or it can strike suddenly. You may even wake up from a sound sleep in the midst of an attack. Most attacks last 20 minutes to an hour and gradually subside.
Often, these episodes strike when one is engaged in a mundane activity such as driving or shopping. Over time these activities may then become feared and avoided, resulting in limitations or phobias. If one tries to engage in these dreaded activities, worrying about having a seizure can lead him to become attached. Thus panic disorders such as agoraphobia can develop.
The physical symptoms of a panic attack might include any or all of the following:
Palpitations
Increased blood pressure
Hot flashes or chills
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or spaciousness
Nausea
Sweating
Feeling faint
Facial ticks
I tremble
Chest pain
Tingling in the muscles
Fear of losing control and humiliating yourself
Fear of a heart attack
Fear of losing your mind
Fear of dying
As the physical symptoms build up, they trigger more panic and fear that fuel the episode. The body releases chemicals into the system such as adrenaline, sodium lactate and cortisol which are stimulants designed to help put the person into a fight or flight state. At this point the person having the attack becomes more concerned with their physical symptoms than with whatever triggered the attack. They often start asking themselves things like, “What’s wrong with me? Am I having a heart attack? I’m going to faint? Do I have a brain tumor?” People who don’t know they are having a panic attack often go to the hospital really believing they are dying.
These attacks, along with anxiety disorders, are thought to be genetic and biochemical and are found in children and adults of all ages. Many people who experience these episodes don’t recognize them for who they are and are afraid or embarrassed to seek help. These attacks are not harmful in themselves and do not lead to heart attacks, loss of control, mental illness or death. However, they impact quality of life and can be very debilitating for those who suffer from them, severely limiting their activities and enjoyment of life.
Prolonged anxiety, coupled with panic episodes, can lead to decreased self-esteem and self-esteem. This general lack of well-being can affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which moderates mood. With lower levels of serotonin, depression and negative thoughts can set in. For this reason depression is often found alongside anxiety disorders.
These attacks and generalized anxiety are very common and are treatable in a variety of ways. Antidepressants are often prescribed, and cognitive behavioral programs that offer tools to push boundaries and understand these episodes are also effective, such as the one offered by the renowned Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety. Diet plays its part in curbing panic and anxiety, especially the elimination or sidelining of sugar and caffeine.
It is estimated that 3-6 million Americans suffer from panic disorder each year, and approximately one-third of the population will experience a panic attack at some point in their lives. If you have been experiencing these episodes, generalized anxiety, or depression, talk to your doctor about the options that are best for you.
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