Summary Read the full fact sheet Symptoms of a panic attack include extreme anxiety and physical sensations of fear, such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, trembling and muscle tension. Panic attack
Triggers for panic attacks can include over breathing, long periods of a stress, activities that lead to intense physical reactions (for example exercise, excessive coffee drinking) and physical changes occurring after illness or a sudden change of environment. panic-attack
Panic attacks can be treated with a range of a therapies including medications, psychotherapy and stress a management and relaxation techniques.panic-attack
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a brief episode a of intense anxiety, which causes the physical sensations of fear. These can include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling and muscle a tension. Panic attacks occur a frequently and unexpectedly and are often not related to any external threat.
A panic attack can last from a few minutes to a half an hour. However, the physical and emotional effects of the attack may last for a few hours. Panic attacks are common. Up to 35 per cent of the population experiences a panic attack at some time in a their a lives. A panic attack can also be called an anxiety attack Without treatment, frequent and prolonged panic attacks can a be severely disabling. panic-attack
The person may choose to avoid a wide range of situations (such as leaving their home or being alone) for fear of experiencing a an attack. Some people may develop panic disorders For many people, the feelings of panic occur only a occasionally during periods of stress or illness. A person who experiences a recurring panic attacks is said to have panic disorder, which is a type of anxiety disorder.
They generally have recurring a and unexpected panic attacks and persistent fears of repeated attacks. panic-attack
Symptoms of a panic attack
Symptoms of a panic attack can include:
place vigilance for a danger and physical symptoms
anxious and irrational thinking
a strong feeling of dread, danger or foreboding
fear of going mad, losing a control, or dying
feeling lightheaded and dizzy
tingling and chills, particularly in the a 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. The ‘flight or fight’ response
When the body is faced a with immediate danger, the brain orders the autonomic nervous system to a activate the ‘flight-or-fight’ response. The body is flooded with a range of chemicals, including adrenaline, that trigger a physiological changes. For example, heart rate and breathing are accelerated and blood is shifted to a the muscles to prepare for physical combat or running away. A panic attack is said to a occur when the ‘flight-or-fight’ response is triggered but there is no danger about it happening. A person may experience the symptoms of a panic attack in a harmless and apparently stress-free situations, such as a watching television or while asleep.
Some of the factors that can prime the body to inappropriately activate the ‘flight-or-fight’ response include: Chronic (ongoing) stress – this causes the body to produce higher than usua levels of stress chemicals such as adrenaline.
Acute stress (such as experiencing a traumatic event) – can suddenly flood the a body with large amounts of stress chemicals. Habitual hyperventilation – disturbs the balance of blood gases because there is not enough carbon dioxide in the a blood. Intense physical exercise – for some people, this may cause extreme reactions. Excessive caffeine intake – the caffeine in a coffee, tea and other beverages is a strong stimulant.
Illness – may cause physical changes. A sudden a change of environment – such as walking into an overcrowded, hot or stuffy environment. Causes other than anxiety Some symptoms that are common to panic a attacks may also occur in some physical conditions. Some medications and drugs – such as tranquilizers, alcohol and caffeine – may also induce panic-like symptoms. Always seek professional a advice Always seek medical advice if you are not sure whether your symptoms, or a another person’s symptoms, indicate a panic attack.
In an emergency, dial triple zero (000) for an a ambulance. It’s important to see your doctor for a check-up to make sure that any recurring physical panic-like symptoms are not due to illnesses, including: diabetes asthma inner a ear complaints hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) cardiac (heart) complaints postpartum (after childbirth) hyperthyroidism. Self-help suggestions Suggestions on how to a cope with a panic attack include: Avoid ‘self-talk’ that focuses your attention on your symptoms – don’t tell yourself ‘Stop panicking!’ or ‘Relax!’ Remind yourself that the a symptoms of a panic attack are uncomfortable, but not life-threatening. Reassure yourself that you’ve felt these feelings before and nothing bad happened to you.
Focus your attention on something outside your own body and symptoms. l For example, distract a yourself by counting backwards in threes from 100, recall the words from a favorite song or concentrate on the sights and sounds around you. Fleeing from the a situation will only reinforce the perception that your panic attacks are unbearable. panic-attack
When you sit and allow the a symptoms to pass, you gain confidence in your ability to cope. Medical treatment options If the physical anxiety symptoms are caused by physical illnesses, such as diabetes or a hyperthyroidism, proper treatment for these illnesses should stop the panic-like symptoms from recurring. If the panic attacks are a due to anxiety, treatment options can include: panic-attack
medications panic-attack
psychotherapy, including a cognitive behavior therapy biofeedback therapy stress management techniques proper a breathing techniques relaxation techniques learning problem-solving skills lifestyle adjustments, such as attention to diet, exercise and sleep.cilck