What are the symptoms of a panic attack?
Symptoms of a panic attack include sudden, intense feelings of panic. Panic attacks may last anywhere from five to30 minutes. It may take up to an hour to recover from a panic attack.
Common symptoms of a panic attack
You may experience panic attack symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times any of these panic attack symptoms can be severe:
-
Chest pressure
-
Dizziness
-
Feeling like you are choking
-
Feeling like you are dying
-
Feeling like you are in a dream or another world
-
Feeling like you have no control or are going crazy
-
Hot flashes
-
Nausea
-
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
-
Shortness of breath
-
Sweating or trembling
-
Tingling or numbness
Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition
In some cases, life-threatening heart attacks can actually be mistaken for panic attacks. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
-
Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails
-
Chest pain or pressure
-
Difficulty breathing
INTRODUCTION
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden attack of anxiety that may occur as part of another anxiety disorder. Panic attacks may happen due to stress or for a reason not known. A panic attack is a period of extreme panic (you may feel frozen in place) that lasts for about five to 30 minutes....
Read more about panic attack introduction
CAUSES
What causes panic attacks?
The underlying cause of panic attacks is not known. They can occur randomly, or can be triggered by situations or things that make you anxious. In some cases, it is thought that panic attacks and anxiety disorders are hereditary. In other cases, they may be related to a brain injury or infection....
Read more about panic attack causes
TREATMENTS
How are panic attacks treated?
Panic attacks are usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. While there is no cure for panic attacks, these treatments are usually effective at managing symptoms, allowing you to lead a normal, healthy life....
Read more about panic attack treatments
