A panic attack is a strong feeling of fear that triggers physical reactions even when there’s no real danger. Individuals experiencing a panic attack may feel like they’re having a heart attack, losing control, or dying.

Many people experience this once or twice in their lifetime, however, people with panic disorder have recurrent episodes and are always afraid of another attack.

Panic attacks are not life-threatening, but they can impact one’s quality of life and mental health to a serious degree.

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Symptoms of a Panic Attack

Panic attacks are sudden and can strike at any time and usually last 5 to 10 minutes. After it passes, a person usually feels very fatigued.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of them include:

  • A heightened sense of danger
  • Fear of death or loss of control
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Shaking, trembling
  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tightness in throat
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Headache
  • Numbness or detachment
  • Cramps

Causes

It’s not known what exactly causes a panic disorder but it’s hypothesized that people who have panic attacks frequently may have a more sensitive response to fear.

These factors can also play a role:

  • Genetics
  • High-stress levels
  • Prone to negative emotions

Panic attacks may also have strong ties with:

  • Depression
  • Smoking
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Alcohol abuse

Most often, panic attacks are completely random. Using alcohol or drugs to deal with the disorder just makes the symptoms worse.

Risk Factors

Panic disorder affects women more than men, and the symptoms usually start in the late teens/early adulthood.

Some risk factors include:

  • Family history
  • Extreme stress
  • A traumatic event
  • Major life changes
  • Smoking
  • History of sexual or physical abuse

Treatment

The treatment of panic disorder usually involves:

  • Talk therapy
  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Exercise
  • Cutting back on caffeine
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Limiting alcohol

If you think you have a panic disorder, you can contact MedTell mental health professionals today.