What are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks?
September 27, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Panic attacks are intense periods of overwhelming fear and anxiety that can be accompanied by a variety of distressing symptoms. The experience of a panic attack is sudden and intense, often peaking within minutes. Common symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Sudden and Overwhelming Fear:
- An abrupt, intense feeling of fear or impending doom, often without an obvious cause.
- Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia):
- A pounding or racing heartbeat, heart palpitations, or accelerated heart rate.
- Shortness of Breath or Hyperventilation:
- Feeling breathless, experiencing difficulty in catching one’s breath, or hyperventilating.
- Chest Pain or Discomfort:
- A feeling of chest tightness, pain, or discomfort, often mistaken for a heart attack.
- Sweating:
- Profuse sweating or feeling clammy.
- Trembling or Shaking:
- Trembling or shaking of the body, especially the hands or legs.
- Feeling of Choking:
- Sensation of choking or a lump in the throat.
- Nausea or Abdominal Discomfort:
- Nausea, upset stomach, or abdominal discomfort.
- Feeling Lightheaded or Dizzy:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or a feeling of unsteadiness.
- Hot or Cold Flashes:
- Sudden sensations of extreme heat or cold, often accompanied by sweating.
- Numbness or Tingling:
- Numbness or tingling sensations, particularly in the hands, fingers, feet, or lips.
- Fear of Losing Control or Going Crazy:
- Fear of losing control, going crazy, or doing something embarrassing or out of character.
- Fear of Dying:
- Intense fear of dying, especially during the peak of a panic attack.
- Derealization or Depersonalization:
- Feeling detached from oneself or feeling that the world is unreal or distorted.
- A Sense of Imminent Danger or Panic:
- A strong feeling that something catastrophic is about to happen.
Panic attacks can last for a few minutes or, in some cases, longer, but typically the intense symptoms subside within 10-20 minutes. They can occur unexpectedly or in response to a trigger, and they can happen in a variety of settings. If you experience recurrent or unexpected panic attacks, it’s important to consult a mental health professional for an evaluation and appropriate treatment, as panic disorder is a recognized mental health condition that can be effectively managed with therapy and, if necessary, medication.