Panic Attack Help: Stop The Fear
Symptoms experienced during an anxiety or panic attack are the results of one’s mind: a “flight or fight” response which produces numerous physiological changes within the body. These “flight or fight” symptoms are not a sign of illness but of the body trying to prepare for a perceived or anticipated threat.
Help for Panic Episodes
Having a panic attack may be one of the worst situations to find yourself in. Even though most panic attacks peak at 10 minutes and end within 20-30 minutes, that time may feel like the “hours” will never end. Mental health professionals experienced in the treatment of anxiety and panic attacks can help end the moments of excruciating fear.
Panic Attack Common Symptoms
While the symptoms experienced during an anxiety or panic attack make for a very long list, varying between each person in severity and occurrence, the following list details some of the most common ones reported.
- Shortness of breath, feeling smothered –may be most distressing symptom experienced
- Heart palpitations, racing or slowed heart beat – due to release of stress hormones
- Chest pain
- Globus Hystericus: Difficulty swallowing; “lump” or pressure in throat
- Shaking (internal or external) or shivering
- Dry mouth
- GI upset (indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea)
- Insomnia, sleep disturbances
- Feeling “electric shock or jolt” is common and often radiates from the chest
- Numbness to face or head, pain to neck and shoulders – muscle tightness restricts blood vessels and nerves which cause numbness, pain and unusual sensations to head/face
- Increased sensitivity to sound, smell, light and touch
- Headaches and “tight band” feeling around head
- Agoraphobia (safety seeking behavior)
- Fear of losing control is high on the list during a panic attack
- Tingling in hands or feet a normal expected symptom
- Derealization and depersonalization can occur with even low level anxiety
- Aggression and fear closely related – a panic attack may lead to aggressive outbursts
While this is a fairly extensive list of panic attack and anxiety attack symptoms, the list grows with individual reported experiences and symptoms. With a history of chronic panic attacks the severity of symptoms may also progress to depression or thoughts of suicide. You do not have to face this alone – work with a psychiatrist to help end the fear and panic.
Panic Attack Psychiatrist
Experienced consultation and treatment is available locally. Stop your anxiety and panic attacks – Call the office for a confidential appointment at a time convenient for you.