Panic Attack Symptoms: Identification And Treatment Of Panic Disorders

The Nature Of Panic Attack Symptoms

Photo: J Greek Golangco

Panic attacks can strike you out of the blue, even when you are not expecting it, for example, when you are relaxed, or asleep. This may be a one time occurrence or you may be suffering from repeated episodes of panic attacks. The panic attacks often strike a person in some specific situations, for example, while flying or in some social situations. According to American Academy of Family Physicians, a panic attack is like a false alarm that goes off even when there is no danger.

Most of the panic attacks last for 20 to 30 minutes, while some can last for an hour. The common symptoms of panic attacks are the following –

- Hot or cold flashes,

- Nausea,

- Pain in the chest,

- Choking feeling,

- Dizziness,

- Feeling of detachment from the surroundings,

- Fear of going crazy,

- Fear of dying,

- Trembling, shaking,

- Sweating,

- Hyperventilation or shortness of breath,

- Racing heart, palpitations.

Because of the nature of panic attack symptoms, people sometimes feel that they are having a heart attack. Inversely, if some symptoms are indicative of heart attack, it is important to rule out anxiety and panic. Due to this similarity of symptoms sometimes it is hard to detect panic attack conditions. Take the help of a trained health care professional and avoid self diagnosis.

For taking the help of a professional counselor, click here.

Panic Disorder

If you have suffered an isolated instance of panic attack then it is fine. The panic attack symptoms are in fact an activation of a survival mechanism in our bodies, also known as fight or flight response. You can enjoy your life normally, despite an occasional attack of panic. But if these attacks keep on recurring then it is indicative of a 'panic disorder' which requires your immediate attention.

You are suffering from panic disorder if you are having the following symptoms –

• You experience frequent panic attacks,
• You are tense about having another such attack. The emotional suffering felt by a person during an anxiety attack is intense. Having suffered few such attacks, you become extremely afraid of suffering another attack.
• You start avoiding some places and situations where you are afraid of suffering another attack. In its extreme form it takes the form of Agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia

If you have suffered few episodes of panic attacks, you don't want to undergo those feelings of embarrassment, shame and helplessness. You are afraid of going to the places where you are likely to suffer anxiety attacks, where there are other people who may take note of your condition, and from where an escape will be difficult.

'Agora' means meeting place or public situation. Previously Agoraphobia was thought to be a fear of public places and open spaces, but it is actually the extension of a panic disorder. You avoid visiting places where you may feel embarrassed with another episode of panic attack and no help will be at hand– such as driving, airplanes, shopping centers, public speaking.

Treatment of Panic Attack Symptoms and Agoraphobia

Panic attacks are treatable. If left unattended panic attacks can become full blown panic disorders. If that happens, you are always full of fear and are not able to do what you want to do. You avoid social life, avoid meeting with people, and are afraid to take assignments that require you to go out to unfamiliar places. You social life keeps on constricting more and more.

Once panic attack happens the chances of it occurring again are increased. You are worried about it happening again – where it will occur, when and amongst whom? You fret about showing physical signs of panic attack to others for fear of loss of face. This increases your fears, and increases the likelihood of anxiety attack in places you are afraid of, because of heightened anxiety levels. This leads to increased fear of such places and you avoid going to these places altogether. This truly becomes a vicious circle.

However, treatment of panic attack symptoms and Agoraphobia is possible. Two options are given below: opt for the one that suits you-

Self Help Program for Anxiety, agoraphobia, and panic attacks: I recommend an easy to follow self help program that is available on internet. The program is endorsed by psychologists and governments. To download it now, Click Here..

Get online professional counseling: Professional Counselors have come online to reach a wider audience. The counseling service is available 24x7. To get expert advice on any problem that is plaguing you, Click Here Now.

Further Reading

Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Is It Normal?

Causes Of Panic Attacks: Which Personality Type Is More Susceptible?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Ways of Dealing With Anxiety And Fear

Cope With Stress and Anxiety: Four Steps to Reduced Stress

Practice Self Hypnosis for Stress and Anxiety Relief

Meditation: Stress Relief Through Awareness

Effective Relaxation Techniques

Guided Imagery: Write Your Own Script!

Top 10 Relaxation CD, DVDs, Tapes And MP3 Downloads

When Cause Of Stress Is Low Self Esteem

back to HOME from Panic Attack Symptoms

Sponsored Links