Panic Attack Symptoms
The first time you have a panic attack can be terrifying and you could believe you are having a heart attack or nervous breakdown. The symptoms of a panic attack can last for minutes or days and can range from a low level panic that you feel at all times to major heart palpitations and trouble with breathing.
- Symptoms of a panic attack can have the following characteristics
- Chest pains and issues with breathing, such as shortness of breath
- Nausea and stomach pains
- Sweating, chills and/or hot flashes
- Dizziness or fainting
- Numbness or tingling sensation in extremities
- Trembling or shaking
In addition, a panic attack can also have other characteristics that are not necessarily physical conditions, rather, worries and fears brought on by the panic attack itself:
- Fear of dying
- Feelings of losing control or “going crazy”
- Sense of terror
- Fear of choking, feelings of choking or smothering
When you experience a panic attack, you may have one of these symptoms or you may have multiple symptoms.
Typically, after a panic attack is over, the individual can experience feelings of tiredness and exhaustion. This is because of the release of adrenaline throughout the body during the “fight or flight” stage of a panic attack.
When an individual experiences ongoing symptoms of a panic attack their condition could be labeled as a panic disorder. This type of disorder can make it hard for an individual to function and can make them start to avoid behaviors that make symptoms worse. This avoidance technique can lead to more serious issues and phobias that affect your quality of life and your happiness.
There is no usually no specific “trigger” for a panic attack and an individual who experiences panic attacks can find themselves suffering from symptoms at any time. It is best to consult with a medical professional about your treatment options than to try to manage a panic disorder by yourself.
