Panic Attacks and The Symptoms

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As we discussed in our last issue anxiety has signs and symptoms that can be identified and managed once you know what they are.

While anxiety and panic attacks do have similar symptoms there are differences that you should be aware of.

For instance a panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming fear and anxiety that usually occurs without any clear reason and

without warning.
Most of the time these attacks are a onetime occurrence, but some people experience recurring episodes. Recurring episodes

are often caused by a trigger,  like speaking in front of a crowd or doing a presentation at work.

Panic attacks may also be a part of another disorder such as depression, panic disorder, or social phobia. These disorders are

generally harmless, but people who suffer with them still feel as if their life is out of control.

As with anxiety attacks, panic attacks are manageable once you understand the signs and symptoms.
A panic attack can happen anytime, but it usually happens when you are away from home. You may be at a store shopping, at work

preparing for a presentation, in a class, driving, walking down the street or even during asleep.

The signs and symptoms develop quickly and usually reach their peak in about 10 minutes. The majority of panic attacks don’t last

for more than 30 minutes and rarely last for more than an hour.

Just like with an anxiety attack, a person having a panic attack will exhibit these signs and symptoms:

- Increased heartbeat or palpitation

- Chest pain

- Hyperventilation or shortness of breath

- Stomach churning, upset stomach

- Trembling and shaking

- Muscle tension

- Sweating

- Dizziness and light-headedness

- Hot or cold flashes

- Tingling sensation or numbness

- Fear of dying, going crazy or losing control

- Feeling detached from the surroundings

Now let’s talk about panic disorder. While most people only experience a panic attack once or twice in their lifetime with no

complications or lasting effects and if you should happen to have more than that there is no reason that you should be overly

concerned.

However, if you have experienced several episodes short period of time then you may be at risk of developing a panic disorder.

Recurring panic attacks along with persistent anxiety for future attacks and major changes in behavior can be considered a

panic disorder.

There are two main symptoms of panic disorder:

1 – Phobic avoidance

2 – Anticipatory anxiety

Phobic avoidance

When you begin to avoid certain things or situations based on the belief that it will trigger another attack. It can also be avoiding

situations that have caused a previous attack. You may also avoid places or situations where escape is difficult and help is

unavailable, like riding an elevator or an airplane.

Extreme cases of phobic avoidance are a disorder called agoraphobia. Which is the fear of being in any situation where you

might experience an anxiety or panic attack.

Anticipatory anxiety

The “fear of fear” or the fear of having future panic attacks. A person manifesting this symptom is usually extremely tense and

over anxious. When ignored, this condition can be disabling.

Then there is the combination of panic disorder with agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia is traditionally believed a fear of open places or public places, it literally means “fear of the marketplace.”

However, now it is believed that agoraphobia is fear of experiencing panic attack in a place where help is difficult or

where escape would be difficult.

People with agoraphobia tend to avoid the following situations or activities:

- Being away from home

- Driving

- Confined places where there is a possibility of being trapped (elevator, theaters, public transportation, stores)

- Going out with “unsafe” person or someone he or she isn’t comfortable being with.

- Places where it would be embarrassing to have a panic attack like parties and other social gatherings.

In severe cases, people with agoraphobia often see their home as the only safe place.

People diagnosed with agoraphobia show different symptoms. But common to all agoraphobics is avoidance either being in

public places or being alone. This is actually a character of phobic avoidance.

The difference is that the effects of agoraphobia can significantly limit the person’s normal activities. What sets agoraphobia apart

from panic disorder is the amount of activities that the person avoids.

People with panic disorder stay generally active, although there are specific situations that they tend to avoid. On the other hand,

agoraphobics limit their activities because of fearful thoughts.

These fearful thoughts can be very damaging to a person’s life as well as relationships with others.

Either way, both conditions are the result of panic attacks.

Make sure you look for your next issue soon. We will be talking about some natural ways that you can deal with anxiety attacks.