Panic Attacks
What are Panic Attacks?
It's a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there's no real danger or apparent cause. When a panic attack occurs, you may feel like you're losing control, having a heart attack, or even that you're going to die.
The vast majority of people experience between one and two panic attacks throughout their lives, and these usually disappear when a stressful situation is resolved. However, if you experience unexpected and recurring panic attacks and spend a lot of time in constant fear of having another attack, you likely have a condition called Panic Disorder.
What are the symptoms of a Panic Attack?
A panic attack usually strikes suddenly, without warning. They come in many forms, and their symptoms can reach their peak within minutes. Some symptoms include:
- Fear of death
- Fear of losing control
- Abrupt changes in heart rate (tachycardia)
- Sweat
- Tremors
- Suffocation
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Dizziness with possible fainting
How do I know if I need psychological help?
One of the hallmarks of panic attacks is the recurring fear that an episode will happen again. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you need to seek help as soon as possible; if left untreated, they can worsen and become more difficult to control.
What causes a Panic Attack?
- Genetics or family history
- A high level of stress
- A personality prone to negative emotions or a high sensitivity to stress.
- Some changes in brain chemistry
What complications can this condition have?
- Changes in your daily life (fear of driving or going out)
- Frequent visits to the doctor for health concerns
- Avoid social contact
- Problems at work, school, at home
- Depression, Anxiety or other disorders
- Inappropriate consumption of alcohol or other substances
- Economic problems
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