What are Panic Attacks?
Recurrent/unexpected panic symptoms can involve a wide variety of physiological symptoms like racing heartbeat or feelings of choking. They are so scary because they strike out of the blue with no perceived cause or external threat. Symptoms cascade rapidly and often occur when alone such as driving a car, sitting in back of a lecture, or attending church.
During a full-blown panic attack, attempts to think or talk one’s way out of it fail because our brain’s fight or flight response is triggered and stress chemicals (adrenaline and cortisol) are released. Trying to “act normal” or hide symptoms during a full panic attack is neither possible nor successful. Panic attacks can occur either from a calm state or from an anxious state.
Referrals to a mental health professional often come from ERs because individuals with panic (or those observing them) may fear a heart attack is underway. Panic attack frequency and symptoms vary for each individual and tend to become more frequent and intense over time without treatment.
Identifying a Panic Attack
An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort often reaches a peak within minutes (less than 10) and during which a number of the symptoms below occur simultaneously:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or elevated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Feeling of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- Chills or heat sensations
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feeling detached from oneself
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying*
*The symptoms above are taken directly from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the same criteria are used in doctors’ offices and hospitals.
If you have experienced these symptoms, professional help and the aid of a psychologist can help change your life!