Panic attacks consist of sudden feelings of extreme terror that is usually not appropriate for the actual problem that is going on. This also happens to some people while they are asleep. Anytime panic hits it can make the person feel like they are going to die or like they are having a heart attack. There are also other symptoms that can be part of the experience of having an attack.
Some of the most common symptoms include a racing heart, difficulty breathing and a sense of terror or doom. Some people also experience chest pains, tingling and numbness in their extremities, especially their hands and fingers, cold chills and sweating, and feeling faint or dizzy.
For most, these attacks last 10 to 15 minutes, for others they may last much longer. Even after the attack is over, some people continue to experience the symptoms for a period of time. For example, once the dizziness goes away, the person may still have feelings of numbness in their hands. For people that experience these attacks on a regular basis are normally diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Up to 2 percent of the population, between the ages of 18 and 54 are affected. More women then men are likely to experience this disorder that starts in early adulthood. Many people become fearful because they do not know when the next attack will strike them. This fear, although it is exaggerated, is very real to the person that is dealing with it and can take over their life in such a way that they become fearful of even leaving their home.
Doctors do not know why this happens to some people after a major life event and not other. Big events such as death of a loved one, marriage, or birth of a child can be the start, but it is still puzzling as to why it does not affect everyone. People with this disorder often are also dealing with drug or alcohol abuse, suicide, or depression. This illness may be hereditary.
Phobias can develop because of panic attacks. For those that have suffered in public, or behind the wheel of their car while driving may even become afraid to leave the house for fear of having an accident if it happens again while driving.
This disorder is treatable. Many times psychotherapy or medications are effective. Most commonly used medications include beta blockers or antidepressants. These can be helpful in keeping symptoms at bay and episodes under control. When getting treated for this illness, many people find that they have very good results and are able to regain control of their lives.
Knowing the symptoms of panic attacks can work to help suffers know what is happening to them when an episode occurs. If it happens to you and you are not aware of the symptoms to be watching for, you may think you are having a heart attack which will, in turn, only make the symptoms worse as your concerns deepen.
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