Panic attacks are a distressing and intense experience characterized by sudden and overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety. They can happen to individuals who have panic disorder or even occur as isolated incidents in people who do not have a diagnosed panic disorder.
During a panic attack, a person may experience the following symptoms:
Intense Fear: A sudden and overwhelming sense of fear or impending doom.
Physical Symptoms: Rapid heart rate (palpitations), sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea or abdominal distress.
Feeling of Losing Control: A fear of going crazy or losing control of oneself.
Sense of Unreality: Feeling detached from oneself or feeling like the situation is not real (depersonalization or derealization).
Fear of Death or Impending Doom: A strong belief that something terrible is about to happen.
Tingling Sensations: Numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities.
Chills or Hot Flashes: Alternating feelings of cold and heat.
Panic attacks can be incredibly distressing and may lead individuals to avoid certain situations or places for fear of experiencing another attack. It's important to note that panic attacks are generally time-limited and usually peak within a few minutes, but they can feel much longer for the person experiencing them.
If someone experiences recurrent panic attacks or finds that panic attacks are interfering with their daily life, it is essential to seek professional help. Mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, can provide effective treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and, if necessary, medication, to manage panic disorder and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.