Information on Panic Attacks

Information On Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason, mounting physiological arousal, fear and discomfort that are associated with a variety of symptoms. It can be very frightening that one who is experiencing it might think of losing control, a heart attack or even dying. They peak in intensity very rapidly and simply vanished with or without medical help.

Symptoms of panic attacks may include: chills or hot flushes, feelings of choking, diarrhea, sweating, heart palpitations, trembling or choking, shortness of breath, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness or light-headedness and headache. Usually, the symptoms of a panic attack last approximately thirty minutes. However, panic attacks can be as short as 15 seconds, while sometimes panic attacks may form a cyclic series of episodes that may sometimes last for hours. Some of these symptoms may be confusing for the individual but it is completely harmless.

Panic attacks were once dismissed as nerves or stress, but they are now recognized a real medical condition. Naturally, the mind perceives a threat and the body reacts. It is said that a frequent or several panic attacks could mean of a panic disorder which is a type of chronic anxiety disorder. People who suffer from panic attacks often report feeling disconnected from their world or having a sensation of unreality. People who suffer from panic attacks attest that their body feels a sensation that is out of control.

Medical experts say that a panic attack may be brought on by a health problem such as an overactive heart or breathing problems. It can also be caused by depression or another mood disorder, abuse of alcohol, too much nicotine or caffeine, side effects of certain medicines and using of illegal drugs such as marijuana or cocaine. Also, it may be because of living with high level of stress for a long time. But then, the real cause of panic attack has not discovered yet only that the body has a natural response when stressed or in danger. It speeds up the heart, makes one breathe faster and gives a burst of energy.