Signs Symptoms of Panic Attacks
What are panic attacks?
Panic attacks are a sudden feeling of terror that happens without warning.
Attacks can happen anytime, even during sleep
Most people feel like they are having a heart attack when they have a panic attack.
I used to feel like I was about to die.
The way you feel during a panic attack is really not a true fact of the situation.
Most people that have panic attacks have the following symptoms:
- Feeling weak, faint or dizzy
- Feeling a loss of control
- Feeling like your heart is racing
- Tingling or numbness in your hands and fingers
- Feeling sweaty or having chills
- Sense of terror, impending doom or death
- Chest pains
- Breathing difficulties
Panic attacks usually only last for 10 minutes. But some of the symptoms may last longer. If you have had more then one attack, you are more likely to have repeated ephisodes as opposed to a person who has only had one.
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When the attacks happen often the person is considered to have a panic disorder.
I was diagnosed with this and I had repressed memories of sexual abuse.
I use to have one come and just feel like I was going to die, but I was given Xanex for panic attacks and if helped to some point. It did not stop the panic attacks, but it made it more managable.
Sometimes you may feel fearful or anxious, because you have no idea when the next attack will be coming. Panic disorders are very common in the United States.
It affects 2.4 million Americans, who is between the ages of 18 to 54. Women are twice as likely to get panic disorders and its symptoms usually begin in adulthood.
Causes of Panic Attacks
Doctors really don't know what causes panic disorders for many people.It happens due to a major life change getting married, having a child, first job, or major life stressers such as abuse. There is a little evidence that panic disorders run in the family.
If you have panic disorder you are more likely to suffer with depression , attempt suicide and alcohal and drug abuse.
Treatment for Panic Attacks
Mental health therapy and medications are used either together or separtely. If medications are necessary, your mental health professinal may perscribe an anti-anxiety medication or anti-depressant or certain heart medicine known as beta blockers in order to control the panic disorder.
With todays advances in medicine, panic disorders are treatable. Also, see the 15 Coping Skills for Stress for tips on how to deal with stress and anxiety. Don't be afraid to get the help you need and deserve!