The occurrence of panic attacks is usually brief, although the sufferer may feel that they last forever. From an emotional perspective, panic attack symptoms may include feelings of intense fear, an overwhelming sense of doom, being out of control, or a sense of unreality. The sufferer's thoughts may race and jump about, without any logic or consistency.
Physical panic attack symptoms may include some or all of the following sensations:
Many people who experience symptoms of panic attack initially think they are having a heart attack. They may run to an emergency room or call an ambulance, only to be told no physical ailments have caused the intense feelings, sensations and other symptoms. Over time, the sufferer may feel as if he or she is losing his or her mind.
It is hard to overestimate the debilitating and widespread effects of these attacks. People who suffer from panic attacks often live in fear of the next attack, especially since they can be unpredictable. The attacks seem random and unwarranted and the sufferer worries they may have an attack when they are out among other people, or while driving or in other worrisome situations.
Panic attack victims sometimes become reclusive or agoraphobic (afraid to leave their home); they may lose important relationships and friends. These types of coping skills arise because of the randomness of the panic attacks. The person having the panic attacks withdraws from social interaction because they fear being around other people when the panic attack starts. The fear of losing control in public and of not being able to stop the attack adds to the negative impact the panic attacks have on the person's life.
Thus, we have the vicious circle aspect of panic attacks: the fear of panic attacks leads to anxiety about the possibility of a panic attack occurring randomly, which can lead to a full-blown panic attack. Often patients cannot lead normal lives and end up on disability, unable to maintain a job. The panic attacks and panic attack symptoms literally control their lives. Learn how to stop panic attacks today!
Physical panic attack symptoms may include some or all of the following sensations:
- Racing or pounding heart; palpitations
- Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
- Shallow, rapid breathing
- A choking feeling
- Severe trembling or shaking
- A rapid pulse rate
- Sweating
- A brief body temperature rise
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea
- Fear of losing control
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities
- A feeling of not being physically anchored.
Many people who experience symptoms of panic attack initially think they are having a heart attack. They may run to an emergency room or call an ambulance, only to be told no physical ailments have caused the intense feelings, sensations and other symptoms. Over time, the sufferer may feel as if he or she is losing his or her mind.
It is hard to overestimate the debilitating and widespread effects of these attacks. People who suffer from panic attacks often live in fear of the next attack, especially since they can be unpredictable. The attacks seem random and unwarranted and the sufferer worries they may have an attack when they are out among other people, or while driving or in other worrisome situations.
Panic attack victims sometimes become reclusive or agoraphobic (afraid to leave their home); they may lose important relationships and friends. These types of coping skills arise because of the randomness of the panic attacks. The person having the panic attacks withdraws from social interaction because they fear being around other people when the panic attack starts. The fear of losing control in public and of not being able to stop the attack adds to the negative impact the panic attacks have on the person's life.
Thus, we have the vicious circle aspect of panic attacks: the fear of panic attacks leads to anxiety about the possibility of a panic attack occurring randomly, which can lead to a full-blown panic attack. Often patients cannot lead normal lives and end up on disability, unable to maintain a job. The panic attacks and panic attack symptoms literally control their lives. Learn how to stop panic attacks today!
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