What is a Panic Attack?
 A panic attack is a severe attack of anxiety and fear, which occurs suddenly, often without warning, and for no apparent reason. Various other symptoms then occur during a panic attack. These include one or more of the following:
* Palpitations or a thumping heart.
* Sweating and trembling.
* Hot flushes or chills.
* Feeling short of breath, sometimes with choking sensations.
* Chest pains.
* Feeling sick.
* Feeling dizzy, or faint.
* Fear of dying or going crazy.
* Numbness, or pins and needles.
* Feelings of unreality, or being detached from yourself.
The physical symptoms that occur with panic attacks do not mean there is a physical problem with the heart, chest, etc. The symptoms mainly occur because of an 'overdrive' of nervous impulses from the brain to various parts of the body during a panic attack.
During a panic attack you tend to over-breathe (hyperventilate). If you over-breathe you 'blow out' too much carbon dioxide which changes the acidity in the blood. This can then cause more symptoms such as confusion and cramps, and make palpitations, dizziness, and pins and needles worse. This can make the attack seem even more frightening, and make you over-breathe even more, and so on.
A panic attack usually lasts 5-10 minutes, but sometimes they come in 'waves' for up to two hours.
What causes Panic Attacks?
At least 1 in 10 people have occasional panic attacks and it may surprise you to learn that something like 50% of the population suffer from Panic Attacks at some time of their lives - and tend to occur most in young adults. Twice as many women than men have panic attacks. Anyone can have a panic attack, but they also tend to run in some families.
Who gets Panic Attacks?
Although the exact causes of panic attacks and panic disorder are unclear there appears to be a connection with major life transitions such as graduating from college and entering the workplace, getting married, and having a baby. Severe stress, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can also trigger a panic attack. Panic attacks usually occur for no apparent reason. The cause is not clear. Stressful life events such as bereavement may sometimes trigger a panic attack.
I have had much experience with dealing with this disorder – indeed, some clients I have successfully treated have suffered with them for much of their lives. However, this is something that you CAN overcome. |
