Panic attacks are periods during which a person experiences a sudden and unexpected occurrence of extreme fear, anxiety or terror which often comes about for no obvious reason. Panic attacks impact millions of lives and may first appear between the ages of 15 and 19. Panic attacks symptoms are very different from other forms of anxiety due to its suddenness and unprovoked and unexpected nature, in addition they can often be disabling.
Panic attacks typically reach their peak intensity within 10 minutes after they begin. They slowly subside during the next 30 minutes or so. Because the panic attacks symptoms mimic a serious health problem, it is not unusual for a person to visit a hospital emergency room after their first attack.
Attacks can also happen when you are sleeping and are known as nocturnal panic attacks. Nocturnal panic attack sufferers suddenly wake up out of their sleep in a state of extreme anxiety and can exhibit all of the symptoms of a daytime panic attack.
Panic attacks symptoms can include the following:
1 – A rapid heartbeat, palpitations or a pounding heart
2 – You feel like you are choking
3 – There is pain or discomfort in your chest
4 – Dizziness, lightheadedness, you fell faint or unsteady
5 – Shortness of breath, hyperventilation or a smothering feeling
All of the above panic attacks symptoms are what truly make the attacks so frightening, as people feel they are going to die from a heart attack. But there are other symptoms as well, such as:
6 – Feeling as if you are losing control or that you’re going insane
7 – Feelings of unreality or being detached from your surroundings
8 – A fear of dying or a sense of imminent doom
9 – Shaking or trembling
10 – Chills or hot flashes
11 – An upset stomach, nausea or vomiting
12 – Sweating, even if it’s cold outside
13 – Tingling sensations or numbness
If you have several of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you are having a panic attack. These same symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, mitral valve prolapse (a heart valve malfunction), hypoglycemia and also by use of stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines and caffeine. It’s best to have a doctor check you out after experiencing these symptoms to indentify exactly what they were caused by.
Panic attacks symptoms can be frightening but they are not dangerous. Panic attacks are highly treatable and should not be ignored. If not treated, they can develop into panic disorder and become life altering, but not in a good way.
If you want to find out more information about panic attacks symptoms, you can do so by visiting http://www.anxietycuresite.com/panic-attacks-symptoms/.
About the Author
As former sufferer of multiple anxiety disorders, it is my goal to provide you with information that will allow you to make informed decisions about options that are available to control or eliminate your anxiety disorder. You can learn more at: http://www.anxietycuresite.com/.