A panic attack amplifies the body’s normal response to stress, agitation, or danger. It’s a type of sudden period of fear response and discomfort. For example, at the stage of a panic attack, a person can be very scared that they are having a heart attack, losing control, fainting, dying, and so on. There are three types of panic that have not changed over time and for which it has created a reliable scale for measuring dehydration, respiratory panic, and cardiac panic.
What are the symptoms of panic attacks?
Panic attacks can start suddenly with no warning, but certain situations usually trigger them over time. For example, it can happen when relaxing or even when asleep.
- Rapid breathing, Shortness of breath, or tightness in the throat.
- Stomach upset or nausea
- Being smothered or choking
- Abdominal cramping
- Sweating
- Headache
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Tense muscles
- Dry mouth
- Feeling unsteady
- Shaking or trepidation
- Feeling light-headed, dizzy, or fearful
- Feeling cool or hot
- Numbness or tingling
- Anxious and irrational thinking
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Feeling detached from yourself
- Sense of impending danger
- A feeling of detachment or unreality
- Fear of loss of control or death
Symptoms of a panic attack can be similar to a heart attack. Because of panic attacks, many people seek emergency treatment. If it is chest pain and other heart attack symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How long do panic attacks last?
Panic attacks are usually short-lived, lasting less than ten minutes. However, some symptoms can be chronic. Though not extremely unpleasant, unusual, or fatal, an isolated panic attack.
Panic attacks can be a symptom of other anxiety disorders. A person with one panic attack is at a higher risk than a person who has never had a panic attack. Panic attacks and panic disorders both are not the same things. If a person is worried that the attacks will be repeated and more will occur, the person may have a panic disorder.
Repeated panic attacks when there is no reason to fight, run away, or react. For fear of a second attack changes daily activities.
Some are afraid to be in the crowd, line up, or go to the shopping center. They are afraid of a recurrence of panic attacks and an inability to escape. This problem is called agoraphobia. Some people feel so sick that they never leave home.
Anybody can experience a panic attack. However, the factors that play a role in a panic attack are as follows:
Age: Panic attacks usually first occur in the late teens or early adulthood. People of all ages, even children, can have a panic attack.
Gender: The incidence of panic attacks is twice as high in women as in men
What causes panic attacks?
The reason for some people’s panic attacks is unknown to experts. However, the brain and nervous system play a key role in perceiving and dealing with fear and anxiety. The following issues increase the risk of having panic attacks:
Family history: Panic attacks, anxiety disorder, and panic disorders often occur in families.
Mental health problems: People having anxiety disorders, depression, or other mental illnesses are more likely to have a panic attack.
Substance Abuse Issues: Alcoholism and drug addiction can increase the risk of panic attacks. Smoking or excessive caffeine intake also can increase the risk of panic attacks.
How to Help someone in the stage of a panic attack?
If someone you know has a panic attack, they may become very agitated or confused and unable to think clearly. You can help the person by doing the following:
- Stay calm and be with the person.
- Offer medication if the person often takes medication during an attack.
- Move the person into a quiet place.
- Don’t assume what the person needs. First to ask.
- Talk to the person in a short and simple sentence.
- Predictable and avoid surprises.
- Ask the person to repeat simple and precise tasks, such as lifting their hands above their heads to improve concentration.
- Help the person breathe slowly or count slowly to 10.
How to talk someone through a panic attack?
This is a very stressful time for those who have a panic attack. Therefore, it is very helpful to be with them and encourage them with peace of mind. It is very important to get people to talk – it helps distract them from their thoughts and regulate their breathing.
When a person is experiencing a panic attack, it is helpful to say the following:
- “You can get over this.”
- “I’m proud of you. Thanks for your good work.”
- “Please tell me what you need now.”
- “Focus on your breathing. Stay in the present.”
- “It’s not the place that is bothering you; it’s just the thought.”
- “What you feel is scary, but it’s not dangerous.”
Things which are not to say during a panic attack
- Don’t say, “calm down.”
- Please don’t ignore it.
- Don’t be ashamed.
- Don’t Minimize.
What is the process to stop panic attack thyself?
- Recognition of having panic attacks
- Deep breathing
- Seek counseling
- Close your eyes.
- To practice mindfulness
- Find any focus object.
- Take medications
- Keep lavender in hand.
- Use muscle relaxation techniques.
- Repeat a spell internally.
- Having light exercise
- Imagine happy places.
What is the panic attack diagnostic system?
Severe health problems such as heart disease, thyroid disease, and respiratory problems cause panic attacks. Doctors may perform tests to rule out physical problems. If there is no physical cause, the doctor can diagnose based on symptoms and risk factors.
Prevention
There is no reliable way to prevent panic attacks and panic disorders. However, these guidelines may help. Treatment should start as soon as possible so that the panic attacks do not worsen more frequently. Stick to your treatment plan to prevent the symptoms of a panic attack from recurring or worsening. Finally, get the regular physical activity that can play a role in protecting you from anxiety.