Doctor's Notes on Panic Attack
Panic attacks are a symptom of an anxiety disorder, which include a discrete period of intense fear, distress, nervousness, or discomfort. Panic attacks can be frightening but are fortunately not physically harmful. They can occur suddenly, unexpectedly, unprovoked, and can be disabling. Panic attacks may occur for no known reason or after a person is exposed "trigger". They can intensity to a peak rapidly and also go away with or without medical intervention.
Symptoms of panic attacks may include
- palpitations,
- pounding heart,
- fast heart rate,
- sweating,
- trembling and shaking,
- sensations of shortness of breath or smothering,
- feelings of choking,
- chest pain or discomfort,
- nausea,
- upset stomach,
- dizziness,
- unsteadiness,
- lightheadedness,
- fainting,
- feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself,
- fear of losing control or going crazy,
- fear of dying, numbness or tingling sensations,
- chills, or
- hot flashes.
What Is the Treatment for a Panic Attack?
Treatment for panic attacks consists of medications, learned self-help, and psychotherapy, in order to decrease symptoms. Symptoms of a panic attack are scary and uncomfortable but they are not deadly and they are treatable.
Doctors may prescribe medications to help treat panic disorder:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Especially helpful in an acute panic attack
Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes may be necessary to help cope with panic attacks. These strategies may help keep panic attacks from happening or calm you down faster if they do occur. These therapies include:
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Biofeedback therapy
- Stress management techniques
- Breathing exercises
- Relaxation exercises
- Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get proper sleep
- Teach family or friends to help you refocus during a panic attack
Panic Attacks (Panic Disorder) : Test Your Mental Health IQ Quiz
QuestionPanic attacks are repeated attacks of fear that can last for several minutes.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors, and rapid heart rate are some physical symptoms of severe anxiety, which may arise from a mental or physical condition, drug use, or some combination of these causes. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy. -
How Do You Stop Anxiety Attacks?
Anxiety attacks are a type of heightened anxiety that comes on gradually and involves feelings of increased anxiety or stress, along with physical symptoms. -
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation syndrome is a condition where a person hyperventilates for an unknown cause. Symptoms of hyperventilation syndrome include bloating, burping, passing gas, abdominal pressure, anxiety, weakness, fainting, dizziness, confusion, and agitation. A person with hyperventilation syndrome should seek medical care to assure it is not a serious medical condition. -
Symptoms and Signs: Anxiety
Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors and rapid heart rate are some physical symptoms of severe anxiety, which may arise from a mental or physical condition, drug use, or some combination of these causes. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy. -
What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
Panic attacks are a symptom of a panic disorder, which usually come on suddenly. Symptoms include intense fear, a sense of impending doom, heart palpitations or fast heart rate, sweating, trembling, a feeling of shortness of breath or hyperventilating, and a feeling of being smothered or choking, among others. -
What Does an Anxiety Attack Feel Like?
Anxiety attacks involve feelings of anxiety that happen gradually and can also include physical symptoms. An anxiety attack feels like fear or worry, usually triggered by actual or perceived threats or potential dangers. -
What Does Anxiety Feel Like?
Symptoms of anxiety can vary and may include excessive worry, feeling restless or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep problems, fears, chest pain, shortness of breath, and feeling as if you’re having a heart attack. -
What Is the Best Medicine for Anxiety and Panic Attacks?
Anxiety attacks and panic attacks are types of anxiety disorders that are slightly different. Anxiety attacks come on gradually and involve feelings of increased anxiety, while panic attacks come on suddenly and involve and intense feelings of fear or an impending sense of doom that lasts for a short time, usually only a few minutes.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.