Panic Attacks - Symptoms And Signs
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patrick
Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear and terror that can occur at any time without warning. They can last from a few minutes or much longer, even to several hours. In this article we will explore signs and symptoms of panic attacks.
How many people suffer from this disorder? More than six million people in the United States suffer from panic attacks. They affect twice as many women as men. Panic disorder usually appears during early adulthood, but may also develop in childhood or later adulthood.
Causes of panic attacks are not completely known, but could be many - biological, psychological, environmental, or the combination of the above. They may be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, stress, genetic predisposition, depression, life events and so on.
Panic in itself is nothing abnormal. It's a perfectly natural and normal physical response to suspected danger, a part of a so called "fight or flight" response. But when this response happens in a non-threatening scenarios and becomes an uncontrollable part of everyday life, we say it's a panic disorder.
Symptoms and signs of panic attacks are many and can vary from individual to individual. They may include intense feelings fear, racing heartbeat, shaking, trembling, hot flashes, tingling, dizziness, fast breathing, nausea, choking, and fear of dying.
The symptoms usually happen suddenly, with no prior warning. Many people, when they first experience panic attack, mistake them for a heart attack. However, it's important to know that panic attacks, although terrifying, are not physically harmful.
Panic disorders can be terrifying and potentially disabling. It's important to know, however, that in most cases they can be successfully controlled or even cured. There are a number of treatment options available and it's important to explore them.
How many people suffer from this disorder? More than six million people in the United States suffer from panic attacks. They affect twice as many women as men. Panic disorder usually appears during early adulthood, but may also develop in childhood or later adulthood.
Causes of panic attacks are not completely known, but could be many - biological, psychological, environmental, or the combination of the above. They may be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, stress, genetic predisposition, depression, life events and so on.
Panic in itself is nothing abnormal. It's a perfectly natural and normal physical response to suspected danger, a part of a so called "fight or flight" response. But when this response happens in a non-threatening scenarios and becomes an uncontrollable part of everyday life, we say it's a panic disorder.
Symptoms and signs of panic attacks are many and can vary from individual to individual. They may include intense feelings fear, racing heartbeat, shaking, trembling, hot flashes, tingling, dizziness, fast breathing, nausea, choking, and fear of dying.
The symptoms usually happen suddenly, with no prior warning. Many people, when they first experience panic attack, mistake them for a heart attack. However, it's important to know that panic attacks, although terrifying, are not physically harmful.
Panic disorders can be terrifying and potentially disabling. It's important to know, however, that in most cases they can be successfully controlled or even cured. There are a number of treatment options available and it's important to explore them.
About the Author:
Peter Sligh was suffering from panic disorder, but he learned how to manage his condition. For information on how to eliminate panic attacks from your life, see how to deal with extreme anxiety.
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