Anxiety Panic Attacks

Anxiety Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a brief period of acute anxiety that comes on all of a sudden. It occurs when there is no real danger. It comes without warning.
Four or more of the following symptoms define a panic attack:

* Shortness of breath or smothering sensations
* Sweating
* Choking feeling
* Racing heart rate or palpitations
* Chest pain or discomfort
* Feeling dizzy, faint or light-headed
* Trembling or shaking
* Nausea or abdominal distress
* Hot flashes or chills
* Numbness, tingling in the hands or feet
* Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
* Fear of going crazy or losing control
* Fear of dying

A person having a panic attack may rush to an emergency room because they think they are having a heart attack, feel like they are going to die, or think they are going crazy.

Persons who have repeated panic attacks begin to avoid situations they associate with past attacks. For example, if the panic attack took place in a grocery store and the person had to leave the store to get home to feel safe, the person avoids future trips to the grocery store. This can lead to a phobia called agoraphobia. (See “Phobias”.)

A person who has four or more panic attacks in any four week period could have panic disorder. The disorder can also be present if the person has less than four panic attacks in four weeks, but is afraid of having another panic attack.

Panic attack symptoms can be symptoms of many medical conditions. These include heart attack, hyperthyroidism, and low blood sugar. The symptoms can also be a side effect of drug abuse or some medications. It is important to rule out any medical reasons for panic attack symptoms. Most persons who have panic disorder consult with their doctor 10 or more times before their condition is accurately diagnosed.