A panic attack can be a truly terrifying experience. For those that have never had one before it may seem that they are dying or “losing their mind”. In fact, the symptoms of a panic attack can be so intense that sufferers, particularly those that are experiencing their first panic attack, are often compelled to seek emergency medical attention.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are a psychological and physical response of the sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for responding to impending threats or attacks, and preparing the body for such a situation. The SNS triggers the in-born hormonal response known as fight or flight in which the body releases a mix of hormones including adrenaline that encourages the body to either escape the threatening situation or fight off the approaching danger. In relation to panic attacks, this response can not only cause the unpleasant symptoms but can cause a cycle of sorts in which the sufferer responds to the panic with increased anxiety and, therefore, intensified panic.
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Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Often the symptoms of a panic attack are incredibly intense and frightening. Many people experiencing their first panic attack interpret it as a heart attack, or think that they are dying. There is a wide array of symptoms associated with panic attacks, and each person will experience them differently. Panic attacks range in intensity, but generally those prone to frequent panic attacks will experience them with increasing intensity until they are properly treated and controlled. Some of the most common panic attack symptoms are as follows:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness
- Heart palpitations or erratic heartbeat
- Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting
- Tunnel vision caused by lack of blood flow to the head
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Intense fear
- Compulsion to “escape” the situation in which the panic attack originated
- Burning sensation on the neck and face
Causes of Panic Attacks
What triggers a panic attack can vary depending on the sufferer. For many people, chronic panic attacks are an indication of an underlying panic or anxiety disorder. Others may experience panic attacks as a symptom of another disorder such as those related to the regulatory system or perception. There are some common causes of panic attacks, both for those prone to them and those that experience them only rarely.
- Intensely stressful situations in which the person feels overwhelmed
- Grief, particularly in unexpected circumstances
- Situations of real or perceived danger
- Overstimulation of the senses such as bright lights, loud sounds, or intense smells
- Social situations, especially when pressure or embarrassment are present
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Panic attacks have a very fast onset, sometimes occurring within mere moments. They generally peak within ten minutes and then subside over the next few hours. Those prone to frequent panic attacks sometimes experience periods of anticipatory anxiety in which they are actively fearing the occurrence of another panic attack. In between major panic attacks they may also experience minor attacks that do not feature the full range of symptoms or duration. Treatment of panic attacks is only truly needed when the attacks are particularly intense or the frequency becomes debilitating. Minor attacks can be treated simply by speaking to the person calmly and comfortingly, and allowing the person to relax. A major attack can be treated using tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medications and persistent behavioral therapy. Those with frequent panic attacks can learn personal coping techniques that will allow them to control their symptoms.
