Panic Attacks

A panic Attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called <b>panic disorder</b>. Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life. But treatment can be very effective.
Steps such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, or light exercise may help relieve the symptoms of a panic attack.
Symptoms

Irregular heartbeat

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Rapid heart rate

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Chills or Shivering

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Sudden Internal Sensation of Heat

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Numbness or tingling around the ribs

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Numbness or tingling in hand

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Numbness or tingling in legs, feet, or buttocks

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Numbness or tingling in shoulders arms or hands

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Numbness or tingling around the mouth

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Chest discomfort

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Excessive sweating

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Shaking

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Choking

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Fear of dying

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Fear of losing control

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Difficulty breathing

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Derealization

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Depersonalization

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Fainting

or Feeling unsteady

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Dizziness

  • Rapidly developing

Feel like vomiting

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

or Abdominal pain

  • Sudden onset with rapid peak

Risk factors

Major Depressive Disorder

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

or Long-term difficulty breathing due to the narrowing of bronchi

Treatment
Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away without intervention. Treatment is usually required in <b>Panic Disorder</b> where the patient has a recurrent panic attacks and starts to affect his\her life. <b>Psychotherapy</b>, also called talk therapy, is considered an effective first choice treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder. Psychotherapy can help you understand panic attacks and panic disorder and learn how to cope with them. A form of psychotherapy called <b>cognitive behavioral therapy</b> can help you learn, through your own experience, that panic symptoms are not dangerous. Your therapist will help you gradually re-create the symptoms of a panic attack in a safe, repetitive manner. Once the physical sensations of panic no longer feel threatening, the attacks begin to resolve. Successful treatment can also help you overcome fears of situations that you've avoided because of panic attacks. <b>Medications:</b> Medications can help reduce symptoms associated with panic attacks as well as depression if that's an issue for you. Several types of medication have been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of panic attacks, including: <b>1-Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)</b>. Generally safe with a low risk of serious side effects, SSRI antidepressants are typically recommended as the first choice of medications to treat panic attacks. Approved SSRIs for the treatment of panic disorder include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and sertraline (Zoloft). <b>2-Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)</b>. These medications are another class of antidepressants. The SNRI venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is approved for the treatment of panic disorder. <b>3-Benzodiazepines</b>. These sedatives are central nervous system depressants. Approved benzodiazepines for the treatment of panic disorder include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). Benzodiazepines are generally used only on a short-term basis because they can be habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. If one medication doesn't work well for you, your doctor may recommend switching to another or combining certain medications to boost effectiveness. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks after first starting a medication to notice an improvement in symptoms.
Recommended specialist

If you have Panic Attacks, then a visit to a psychiatrist is recommended.

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