Panic Attack
A panic attack involves a feeling of intense fear or discomfort, accompanied by uncomfortable physical symptoms and thoughts of impending doom. Panic symptoms develop suddenly and usually peak within 10 minutes. Some of the symptoms you may experience during a panic attack include:
- Heart palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate,
- Sweating,
- Trembling or shaking,
- Sensation of shortness of breath or feeling smothered,
- Feeling of choking,
- Chest pain or discomfort,
- Nausea or abdominal distress,
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint,
- Numbness or tingling sensations,
- Chills or hot flushes,
- Fear of losing control (e.g., embarrassing oneself, going crazy),
- Fear of dying (e.g., heart attack).
Some people who experience panic attacks go on to develop Panic Disorder. However, Panic Attacks can occur for a number of reasons and are not necessarily indicative of Panic Disorder. Read about other anxiety disorders for a better understanding of what you have been dealing with and a brief overview of treatment.
There are a number of Physical Health Problems that result in panic-like symptoms. Failing to rule out physical health problems as the basis for panic symptoms can be a major obstacle to recovery from Panic Disorderbecause the person continues to worry about whether they actually have a severe physical health problem. It is therefore important to visit a physician that you trust in order to have a full medical examination prior to concluding that what you are experiencing is a Panic Attack without any physical basis.
On the other hand, some physical health problems produce minor physical symptoms similar to panic, causing the person to develop full-blown panic attacks and, in turn, Panic Disorder. In such cases, treatment of the physical health problem may not fully alleviate the panic symptoms and treatment of Panic Disorder will also be required.
If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety contact one of our psychologists today at either the Calgary (403-313-8309) or Vancouver (1-877-313-8309) office to find out how we can help. You can also contact us by e-mail.
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