Panic attack symptoms, causes, diagnosis & treatment

#panicattack #symptoms #causes #diagnosis #treatment #panicattackrelief #panicattacks Panic disorder occurs when you experience recurring unexpected panic attacks. The DSM-5 defines panic attacks as abrupt surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. People with the disorder live in fear of having a panic attack. You may be having a panic attack when you feel the sudden, overwhelming terror that has no obvious cause. You may experience physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, breathing difficulties, and sweating. Most people experience a panic attack once or twice in their lives. The American Psychological Association reports that 1 out of every 75 people might experience a panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by a persistent fear of having another panic attack after you have experienced at least one month (or more) of persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks (or their consequences) recurring. Even though the symptoms of this disorder can be quite overwhelming and frightening, they can be managed and improved with treatment. Seeking treatment is the most important part of reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life. Symptoms of panic disorder often begin to appear in teens and young adults under the age of 25. If you have had four or more panic attacks, or you live in fear of having another panic attack after experiencing one, you may have a panic disorder. Panic attacks produce intense fear that begins suddenly, often with no warning. An attack typically lasts for 10 to 20 minutes, but in extreme cases, symptoms may last for more than an hour. The experience is different for everyone, and symptoms often vary. Common symptoms associated with a panic attack include: racing heartbeat or palpitations shortness of breath feeling like you are choking dizziness (vertigo) lightheadedness nausea sweating or chills shaking or trembling changes in mental state, including a feeling of de-realization (feeling of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself) numbness or tingling in your hands or feet chest pain or tightness fear that you might die The symptoms of a panic attack often occur for no clear reason. Typically, the symptoms are not proportionate to the level of danger that exists in the environment. Because these attacks can’t be predicted, they can significantly affect your functioning. Fear of a panic attack or recalling a panic attack can result in another attack.