About

A panic attack is experienced as a sudden intense fear that causes severe physical reactions without any real danger or apparent cause. A person having a panic attack may think they are having a heart attack, losing control, or dying.

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Many people may experience a panic attack once or twice during their life. Other people have panic disorder which creates repeated unexpected panic attacks and fearing another panic attack. Panic attacks may be frightening, interfere with daily activities and affect your quality of life. Panic attacks are not life threatening even though they cause intense distress. Treatment with medication if often very effective.

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Treatment for panic attacks can include medication such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac or other antidepressants. A certain kind of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very helpful and some people treat with medication and therapy.

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Symptoms

Panic attacks typically include some of these signs or symptoms:

• Sense of impending doom or danger

• Fear of loss of control or death

• Rapid, pounding heart rate

• Sweating Trembling or shaking

• Shortness of breath

• Tightness in your throat

• Chills

• Hot flashes

• Nausea

• Stomach cramps

• Chest pain

• Headache

• Dizziness, lightheartedness or feeling faint

• Numbness or tingling sensation

• Feeling of unreality or detachment

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One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one. You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where you believe they might occur.

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When to see a doctor

If you have panic attack symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Panic attacks, while intensely uncomfortable, are not dangerous. But panic attacks are hard to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment.

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Panic attack symptoms can also resemble symptoms of other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, so it's important to get evaluated by your primary care provider if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms.

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Causes

It's unknown what causes panic attacks or panic disorder, but various factors may play a role, such as:

• Genetics

• Major stress
   

A person that is more sensitive to stress or susceptible to negative emotions At first, panic attacks might start suddenly without warning. After some time, panic attacks are usually triggered by known situations.

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Risk factors for Panic Attacks

More women than men experience panic attacks. Panic attacks commonly start when someone is a late teen or young adult.

 

People with an increased risk of developing panic attacks include those with:

• A family history of panic attacks or panic disorder

• A major stress, such as a loved one’s death or serious illness

• Experience of a major trauma, such as sexual assault or serious accident

• Major life changes Smoking or caffeine intake

• Experience of physical or sexual abuse as a child

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Complications

People with panic attacks often live in a state of fear which negatively affects quality of life. Many times, the fear of having another panic attack stops a person from enjoying life.

 

Complications that panic attacks may cause or be linked to include:

• Development of phobias. For example someone may fear driving or leaving their home.

• Seeking medical care for health concerns and medical conditions to treat the symptoms of panic attacks

• Avoiding social interactions Interference with work or school

• Development of depression, anxiety or other psychiatric disorders

• Increased risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts

• Alcohol or other substance abuse or addiction

• Financial problems

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For some people, panic disorder may include agoraphobia — avoiding places or situations that cause you anxiety because you fear being unable to escape or get help if you have a panic attack. Or you may become reliant on others to be with you in order to leave your home.

 

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Prevention

There is no way to totally prevent panic attacks. However, early medical attention can help stop them from getting worse or more frequent. Continue with your treatment plan. This may help to reduce the frequency or worsening of panic attacks. Regular physical activity or exercise may help prevent the onset of anxiety.