Panic Attack
A panic attack is a brief episode of intense anxiety, which reasons the physical sensations of fear. These can comprise a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and trembling and muscle tension. Panic attacks happen often and suddenly and are frequently not connected to any external threat. A panic attack can last from a few minutes to half an hour. However, the physical and emotional effects of the attack may last for a few hours.
Panic attacks are general. Up to 35 per cent of the inhabitants experience a panic attack at some time in their lives. A panic attack can also be called a nervousness attack.
Without treatment, frequent and prolonged panic attacks can be strictly disabling. The person may decide to avoid a wide range of situations for fear of experiencing an attack.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a panic attack can include:
- Heightened vigilance for danger and physical symptoms
- Anxious and irrational thinking
- A strong feeling of dread, danger or foreboding
- Fear of going mad, losing control or dying
- Feeling lightheaded and dizzy
- Tingling and chills, particularly in the arms and hands
- Trembling or shaking, sweating
- Hot flushes
- Accelerated heart rate
- A feeling of constriction in the chest
- Breathing difficulties, including shortness of breath
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Tense muscles
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of unreality and detachment from the environment.
A panic attack is said to happen when the 'flight-or-fight' response is triggered but there is no imminent danger. A person may experience the symptoms of a panic attack in harmless and apparently stress-free situations, such as watching television or while asleep.
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Inner ear complaintsg
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
- Cardiac (heart) complaints
- Tingling and chills, particularly in the arms and hands
Medical Treatment Options
If the physical nervousness symptoms are reasoned by physical illnesses, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, suitable treatment for these illnesses should stop the panic-like symptoms from recurring. If the panic attacks are due to nervousness, treatment options can include:
- Medications
- Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy
- Biofeedback therapy
- Stress management techniques
- Proper breathing techniques
- Relaxation techniques
- Learning problem-solving skills
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as attention to diet, exercise and sleep.
