Warning signs of panic attacks
Panic attacks and panic disorder - Symptoms and causes
Overview
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.
Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.
Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life. But treatment can be very effective.
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Symptoms
Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at any time — when you're driving a car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. You may have occasional panic attacks, or they may occur frequently.
Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within minutes. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides.
Panic attacks typically include some of these signs or symptoms:
- Sense of impending doom or danger
- Fear of loss of control or death
- Rapid, pounding heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat
- Chills
- Hot flashes
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Feeling of unreality or detachment
One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one.
You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur.
When to see a doctor
If you have panic attack symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Panic attacks, while intensely uncomfortable, are not dangerous. But panic attacks are hard to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment.
Panic attack symptoms can also resemble symptoms of other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, so it's important to get evaluated by your primary care provider if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms.
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Causes
It's not known what causes panic attacks or panic disorder, but these factors may play a role:
- Genetics
- Major stress
- Temperament that is more sensitive to stress or prone to negative emotions
- Certain changes in the way parts of your brain function
Panic attacks may come on suddenly and without warning at first, but over time, they're usually triggered by certain situations.
Some research suggests that your body's natural fight-or-flight response to danger is involved in panic attacks. For example, if a grizzly bear came after you, your body would react instinctively. Your heart rate and breathing would speed up as your body prepared for a life-threatening situation. Many of the same reactions occur in a panic attack. But it's unknown why a panic attack occurs when there's no obvious danger present.
More Information
- Nocturnal panic attacks: What causes them?
Risk factors
Symptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect more women than men.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:
- Family history of panic attacks or panic disorder
- Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one
- A traumatic event, such as sexual assault or a serious accident
- Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby
- Smoking or excessive caffeine intake
- History of childhood physical or sexual abuse
Complications
Left untreated, panic attacks and panic disorder can affect almost every area of your life.
You may be so afraid of having more panic attacks that you live in a constant state of fear, ruining your quality of life.
Complications that panic attacks may cause or be linked to include:
- Development of specific phobias, such as fear of driving or leaving your home
- Frequent medical care for health concerns and other medical conditions
- Avoidance of social situations
- Problems at work or school
- Depression, anxiety disorders and other psychiatric disorders
- Increased risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts
- Alcohol or other substance misuse
- Financial problems
For some people, panic disorder may include agoraphobia — avoiding places or situations that cause you anxiety because you fear being unable to escape or get help if you have a panic attack. Or you may become reliant on others to be with you in order to leave your home.
Prevention
There's no sure way to prevent panic attacks or panic disorder.
However, these recommendations may help.
- Get treatment for panic attacks as soon as possible to help stop them from getting worse or becoming more frequent.
- Stick with your treatment plan to help prevent relapses or worsening of panic attack symptoms.
- Get regular physical activity, which may play a role in protecting against anxiety.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
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NIMH » Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms
Do you sometimes have sudden attacks of anxiety and overwhelming fear that last for several minutes? Maybe your heart pounds, you sweat, and you feel like you can’t breathe or think clearly. Do these attacks occur at unpredictable times with no apparent trigger, causing you to worry about the possibility of having another one at any time?
An untreated panic disorder can affect your quality of life and lead to difficulties at work or school.
The good news is panic disorder is treatable. Learn more about the symptoms of panic disorder and how to find help.
What is panic disorder?
People with panic disorder have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are characterized by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder.
Panic attacks often include physical symptoms that might feel like a heart attack, such as trembling, tingling, or rapid heart rate. Panic attacks can occur at any time. Many people with panic disorder worry about the possibility of having another attack and may significantly change their life to avoid having another attack. Panic attacks can occur as frequently as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year.
Panic disorder often begins in the late teens or early adulthood. Women are more likely than men to develop panic disorder.
What are the signs and symptoms of panic disorder?
People with panic disorder may have:
- Sudden and repeated panic attacks of overwhelming anxiety and fear
- A feeling of being out of control, or a fear of death or impending doom during a panic attack
- An intense worry about when the next panic attack will happen
- A fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past
- Physical symptoms during a panic attack, such as:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Sweating
- Chills
- Trembling
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness or dizziness
- Tingly or numb hands
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain or nausea
What causes panic disorder?
Panic disorder sometimes runs in families, but no one knows for sure why some family members have it while others don’t. Researchers have found that several parts of the brain and certain biological processes may play a crucial role in fear and anxiety.
Some researchers think panic attacks are like “false alarms” where our body’s typical survival instincts are active either too often, too strongly, or some combination of the two. For example, someone with panic disorder might feel their heart pounding and assume they’re having a heart attack. This may lead to a vicious cycle, causing a person to experience panic attacks seemingly out of the blue, the central feature of panic disorder. Researchers are studying how the brain and body interact in people with panic disorder to create more specialized treatments. In addition, researchers are looking at the ways stress and environmental factors play a role in the disorder.
How is panic disorder treated?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of panic disorder, talk to a health care provider. After discussing your history, a health care provider may conduct a physical exam to ensure that an unrelated physical problem is not causing your symptoms. A health care provider may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker.
The first step to effective treatment is to get a diagnosis, usually from a mental health professional.
Panic disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”), medication, or both. Speak with a health care provider about the best treatment for you.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a research-supported type of psychotherapy, is commonly used to treat panic disorder. CBT teaches you different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to the feelings that happen during or before a panic attack. The attacks can become less frequent once you learn to react differently to the physical sensations of anxiety and fear during a panic attack.
Exposure therapy is a common CBT method that focuses on confronting the fears and beliefs associated with panic disorder to help you engage in activities you have been avoiding. Exposure therapy is sometimes used along with relaxation exercises.
For more information on psychotherapy, visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) psychotherapies webpage.
Medication
Health care providers may prescribe medication to treat panic disorder. Different types of medication can be effective, including:
- Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Beta-blockers
- Anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines
SSRI and SNRI antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression, but they also can help treat the symptoms of panic disorder. They may take several weeks to start working. These medications also may cause side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or difficulty sleeping. These side effects are usually not severe, especially if the dose starts off low and is increased slowly over time. Talk to your health care provider about any side effects that you may experience.
Beta-blockers can help control some of the physical symptoms of panic disorder, such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and tremors.
Although health care providers do not commonly prescribe beta-blockers for panic disorder, the medication may be helpful in certain situations that precede a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines, which are anti-anxiety sedative medications, can be very effective in rapidly decreasing panic attack symptoms. However, some people build up a tolerance to these medications and need higher and higher doses to get the same effect. Some people even become dependent on them. Therefore, a health care provider may prescribe them only for brief periods of time if you need them.
Both psychotherapy and medication can take some time to work. Many people try more than one medication before finding the best one for them. A health care provider can work with you to find the best medication, dose, and duration of treatment for you. A healthy lifestyle also can help combat panic disorder. Make sure to get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet, and turn to family and friends who you trust for support.
To learn more ways to take care of your mental health, visit NIMH’s Caring for Your Mental Health webpage.
For more information about medications used to treat panic disorder, visit NIMH’s Mental Health Medications webpage. Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for the latest warnings, patient medication guides, and information on newly approved medications.
How can I support myself and others with panic disorder?
Educate Yourself
A good way to help yourself or a loved one who may be struggling with panic attacks or panic disorder is to seek information. Research the warning signs, learn about treatment options, and keep up to date with current research.
Communicate
If you are experiencing panic disorder symptoms, have an honest conversation about how you’re feeling with someone you trust. If you think that a friend or family member may be struggling with panic disorder, set aside a time to talk with them to express your concern and reassure them of your support.
Know When to Seek Help
If your anxiety, or the anxiety of a loved one, starts to cause problems in everyday life—such as at school, at work, or with friends and family—it’s time to seek professional help. Talk to a health care provider about your mental health.
Are there clinical trials studying panic disorder?
NIMH supports a wide range of research, including clinical trials that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions—including panic disorder. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.
Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct clinical trials with patients and healthy volunteers. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you.
For more information, visit NIMH's clinical trials webpage.
Finding Help
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
This online resource, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), helps you locate mental health treatment facilities and programs. Find a facility in your state by searching SAMHSA’s online Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. For additional resources, visit NIMH's Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.
Talking to a Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health
Communicating well with a health care provider can improve your care and help you both make good choices about your health. Find tips to help prepare for and get the most out of your visit at Taking Control of Your Mental Health: Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider. For additional resources, including questions to ask a provider, visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website.
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
Reprints
This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission from NIMH. We encourage you to reproduce and use NIMH publications in your efforts to improve public health. If you do use our materials, we request that you cite the National Institute of Mental Health. To learn more about using NIMH publications, please contact the NIMH Information Resource Center at 1-866‑615‑6464, email [email protected], or refer to NIMH’s reprint guidelines.
For More Information
MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) (en español)
ClinicalTrials.
gov (en español)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 22-MH-8077
Revised 2022
What is a panic attack? | doc.ua
A panic attack is a brief episode of intense anxiety that causes physical sensations of fear, such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Panic attacks occur frequently and unexpectedly and are usually not associated with any external threat. This is a very common ailment that occurs in about 35% of people at least once in a lifetime. Read more about what panic attacks are in the article.
Causes of panic attacks
When the body faces immediate danger, the brain tells the autonomic nervous system to activate the fight-or-flight response. The causes of panic attacks are that the body is flooded with a number of chemicals, including adrenaline, which cause physiological changes. For example, heart rate and breathing increase and blood rushes to the muscles to prepare for physical fight or flight.
A panic attack is said to occur when the fight-or-flight response is triggered, but there is no danger. A person may experience panic attack symptoms in harmless and apparently stress-free situations, such as watching TV or sleeping. nine0005
What triggers a panic attack? Some of the factors that can cause the body to inappropriately activate the fight-or-flight response include:
- chronic (permanent) stress - this causes the body to produce higher than normal levels of stress chemicals such as adrenaline;
- Acute stress, such as experiencing a traumatic event (panic attack after the death of a loved one), can suddenly flood the body with large amounts of stress-causing chemicals; nine0017
- intense exercise - some people may experience a panic attack after sports;
- excessive consumption of caffeine (panic attacks after coffee) - caffeine in coffee, tea and other drinks is a strong stimulant;
- illness, e.g. panic attack after covid;
- sudden change in environment, such as moving into a crowded, hot or stuffy place.
Types of panic attacks
Panic disorders are divided into the following types:
- Spontaneous or unplanned panic attacks occur without warning or out of the blue. No situational or environmental triggers are associated with the attack. These types of panic attacks can even occur during sleep.
- Expected or situational panic attacks are panic attacks that occur when actually or expectedly exposed to certain situations. These situations become signals or triggers for a panic attack. For example, a person who is afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) might expect panic attacks in elevators or other tight spaces. A person who is afraid of flying (aerophobia) can predictably have a panic attack while boarding an airplane, during takeoff, or at some point during a flight. For example, a person with a fear of enclosed spaces may experience a panic attack upon entering or the thought of entering an elevator.
nine0017
- Conditioned panic attacks is a type of panic attack that occurs due to a chemical or biological trigger of the nervous system, such as a panic attack after alcohol, smoking or drugs. It can also occur with changes in hormonal levels, for example, a panic attack during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Panic Attack Test
We invite you to take a short panic attack test to determine if you have one. Answer “yes”, “no” or “not sure” to the 21 questions below. nine0005
- Do you have anxiety or panic attacks?
- Do you have seizures during which you do not feel very anxious, but you feel discomfort from the sudden and rapid development of some physiologically unpleasant symptoms?
- Is there pulsation, palpitation, rapid pulse?
- Is there sweating?
- Does it cause chills, tremors, a feeling of internal trembling?
- Is there a feeling of lack of air, shortness of breath? nine0017
- Is there pain or discomfort in the left side of the chest?
- Is there nausea or discomfort in the abdomen?
- Is there dizziness, unsteadiness, or pre-syncope at such times?
- Does everything around you feel strange, unreal, foggy, or detached?
- Is there a fear of going crazy or acting out of control?
- Is there a feeling of numbness or tingling in the arms or legs? nine0017
- Does it feel like waves of heat or cold are passing through the body?
- Are these symptoms accompanied by fear of death (thoughts of death or a sense of imminent death)?
- Do these attacks last an average of 15 to 30 minutes (or longer)?
- Is it common for you to experience states of general weakness and weakness after such attacks?
- Do you have a sensation of a lump in your throat at such moments?
- Do they cause you a feeling of constant anxiety and fear associated with the expectation of their repetition? nine0017
- Do they cause anxiety about possible complications of seizures or their consequences (fear of losing control of oneself, fear of serious illness)?
- Do these attacks cause significant changes in your daily behavior (for example, being forced to go out less often, visit some places, etc.
)? - Are these conditions associated with certain "threatening" situations (for example, travel in transport, large crowds, etc.)? nine0102
- anxious and irrational thinking;
- strong feeling of fear, premonition of danger;
- fear of going crazy, losing control or dying; nine0017
- dizziness, presyncope or syncope;
- tingling and chilliness, especially in the arms and hands;
- trembling or shaking;
- shortness of breath or tightness in the throat;
- chills;
- sweating;
- hot flashes;
- palpitations;
- chest tightness;
- shortness of breath, including shortness of breath;
- nausea or indigestion;
- abdominal cramps;
- dry mouth; nine0017
- a feeling of unreality and isolation from the outside world.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Inability to relax.
- Constant expectation of danger.
- Absentmindedness.
- Constant state of irritability.
- Feeling of tension.
- Remember that this will pass. During a panic attack, remember that these feelings will pass and will not cause physical harm, no matter how scary they may seem at the time. Panic attacks usually reach their peak within 10 minutes of onset, and then the symptoms begin to subside. nine0017
- Breathe deeply. Try to breathe slowly and deeply, concentrating on each breath.
- Find a quiet place. How to help yourself with a panic attack? Sights and sounds can often intensify a panic attack. If possible, try to find a quieter place. This could mean leaving a busy room or moving to lean against a nearby wall.
- Focus on the object. How to quickly stop a panic attack? When you are overwhelmed with disturbing thoughts, feelings, or memories, focusing on something physical in your environment can help you feel grounded.
nine0017 - Go for a walk or light exercise. How to deal with panic attacks on your own? Walking can take you out of a stressful environment, and walking rhythm can also help regulate your breathing.
- Learn your triggers. I have panic attacks, what should I do? A person's panic attacks can often be caused by the same things, such as an enclosed space or a crowd. By learning to manage or avoid your triggers, you can reduce the frequency and intensity of your panic attacks. nine0017
- Keep lavender handy. How to quickly relieve a panic attack? Lavender is a traditional remedy that many people use for stress relief and relaxation.
- Look at 5 separate objects. Think about each for a moment.
- Listen to 4 different sounds. Think about where they come from and what makes them different.
- Touch 3 items. Think about their texture, temperature, and how to use them.
- Identify 2 different odors. It could be the smell of coffee, soap, or laundry detergent on your clothes. nine0017
- Name 1 thing you can try. Notice how it tastes in your mouth, or try tasting the candy.
- hold the voltage for 5 seconds;
- say "relax" by relaxing the muscle;
- allow the muscle to relax for 10 seconds before moving on to the next muscle.
- Remain calm. Even if you yourself are a little afraid, remain calm and try to calm the other person: reassure him that you will not leave; remind him that the attack won't last long; say the person is safe.
- Ask how you can help. What to do with a person with a panic attack? Most people who experience panic attacks or live with other types of anxiety have their own methods of dealing with them. When offering support, keep in mind that your loved one knows best what will help them the most.
nine0017 - Study the warning signs. If you haven't already, take the time to become familiar with how people behave during a panic attack. Not everyone experiences panic attacks in the same way, so it's best to ask what signs your loved one tends to experience. The sooner you understand what's going on, the sooner you can help.
- Make your words more effective. Instead of phrases like “don't worry” or constant questions like “are you okay”, say more specific phrases. Ask if the person would like to leave the room and go somewhere else; remind him to keep breathing; engage him in light conversation if he says he doesn't want to talk. nine0017
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches different ways of thinking, behaving, and responding to feelings during or before a panic attack. Attacks can become less frequent if you learn to respond differently to the physical feelings of anxiety and fear during a panic attack. nine0017
- Exposure therapy is a common cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on confronting the fears and beliefs associated with panic disorder to help you engage in activities you have been avoiding.
Exposure therapy is sometimes used in conjunction with relaxation exercises. - Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
- Beta blockers.
- Anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines.
- corvalol for panic attacks;
- glycine for panic attacks;
- bifren for panic attacks;
- quetixol for panic attacks;
- Novo-Passit, Persen, Valemedin.
- Development of specific phobias such as fear of driving or leaving the house.
- Frequent medical attention for health problems and other illnesses.
- Avoidance of social situations.
- Problems at work or school.
- Post-panic depression, anxiety disorders and other psychiatric disorders.
- Increased risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts.
- Alcohol or other substance abuse. nine0017
- Financial problems.
Count the number of yes answers. If you got 10 or more “yes” answers, then most likely you are prone to developing panic attacks.
Important! This test does not provide an accurate assessment or diagnosis of a possible disorder. If you get a positive result, seek help from a psychotherapist.
Symptoms of panic attacks
Symptoms of a panic attack
How do the symptoms of a panic attack appear? The main signs of a panic attack in humans:
How to distinguish a panic attack from a stroke
Panic attack or stroke? Although they share a number of similarities, the two conditions result from very different disease processes. Panic attacks occur when stress hormones trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, often resulting in a racing heart, chest pain, and shortness of breath. In the event of a heart attack, blockage of a coronary artery can lead to the same symptoms. Chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath can occur when not enough blood reaches the heart muscle. nine0005
One of the key differences between the two is that a heart attack often develops during exercise, while a panic attack can occur at rest.
Both panic attacks and strokes can occur fairly quickly, but strokes are almost always instantaneous, while a panic attack usually peaks in about 10 minutes and then slowly subsides.
How to distinguish between hypertension and panic attacks
How to distinguish between a hypertensive crisis and a panic attack? A panic attack can lead to high blood pressure. Hypertension or panic attack? A panic attack causes many physical symptoms, including an increased heart rate and shallow breathing, which can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure to be confused with hypertension. However, despite all the similar symptoms, panic attacks do not cause long-term high blood pressure (hypertension). Episodes of anxiety can only cause sudden temporary spikes in blood pressure. nine0005
What to do about a panic attack
Panic attacks can be frightening and can overwhelm you quickly. Here are strategies you can use to try to stop or deal with panic attacks. Some may help you in the moment, while others may help you in the long run.
How to deal with a panic attack - on your own
Panic Attack Meditations
Meditation is an effective way to deal with panic attacks when you're in the middle of one, or as a way to reduce your stress levels and make them less likely. Here are some of the most common meditation techniques for panic attacks:
Breathing meditation
Mindful breathing
Lie down and put your hands on your chest.
Never try to control your breathing. Just notice how your breath rises and falls on your palms.
Lengthen your exhalations
Inhale as deeply as you can, but concentrate on exhaling, saying "O" with your mouth, and then exhaling as much as you can.
Square breath
Inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and then hold your breath for another four seconds.
Abdominal breathing
Lie down or sit in a comfortable position. Place your hand on your stomach and inhale deeply until your stomach expands with your breath. Then exhale from the lower abdomen, all the way out of the mouth until your breath is released.
Mantra meditation
Another meditation technique for panic attacks is the “mantra”. A mantra is a word, phrase or sound that helps focus and gives strength. Repeating a mantra internally can help a person come out of a panic attack.
The mantra should be a simple positive statement, such as "This will pass now" or "This is just my anxiety saying - I know I'll be fine soon." Repeating positive affirmations to yourself or out loud can help interrupt the flow of negative thoughts you are experiencing and reduce anxiety. nine0005
Panic Attack Exercises
Method 4-7-8
People can also try breathing exercises for panic attacks - 4-7-8 breathing or "relaxation breathing". With this technique, the person inhales for 4 seconds, holds the breath for 7 seconds, then exhales slowly for 8 seconds.
Method 5-4-3-2-1
Panic attacks can make a person feel disconnected from reality. This is due to the fact that the intensity of anxiety can prevail over other feelings. Panic attack exercises include the 5-4-3-2-1 method, which is a type of grounding technique and a type of mindfulness. This helps to divert the attention of the person from the sources of stress.
nine0005
To use this method, the person must slowly and carefully perform each of the following steps:
Muscle relaxation method
Another symptom of panic attacks is muscle tension. Practicing muscle relaxation can help limit an attack. This is because if the mind feels like the body is relaxing, other symptoms such as rapid breathing may also decrease.
A technique called progressive muscle relaxation is a popular method for dealing with anxiety and panic attacks.
This involves tensing and then relaxing the various muscles in turn. Performing an exercise for a panic attack:
How to help someone with a panic attack
What to do if another person has a panic attack? If you are in a situation where someone has a panic attack in your presence, here are a few ways you can help:
Panic attack at night
What should I do if I have a panic attack at night? Try doing something relaxing to switch your focus, like meditating, listening to soothing music, reading a book, or even doing housework like ironing. Panic attack at night, how to calm down? Return to bed only when you feel tired again and are ready to sleep.
How to get rid of panic attacks
How to get rid of panic attacks? There are two main methods of getting rid of panic attacks: psychotherapy (without pills), drug therapy, and a combination of both. Which Doctor Treats Panic Attacks? Depending on the severity of the disease, the psychotherapist selects the appropriate treatment. nine0005
Panic attack treatment
How are panic attacks treated? Treatment of panic attacks in Kyiv involves the use of the most popular method in psychotherapy - cognitive behavioral therapy.
Medicines for panic attacks
Medicines may be useful in the treatment of panic disorder and panic attacks, especially when combined with psychotherapy. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or panic, talk to your healthcare provider about medications that may be right for you. Various types of medications for panic attacks can be effective, including:
What to drink for panic attacks? You can also drink a sedative to quickly help with a panic attack. However, it is important to remember that it will not eliminate the root cause of the disease, but only temporarily relieve its symptoms. Top medicines for panic attacks include:
Attention! Before using any of the above drugs, you should consult your doctor.
Sequelae of panic attacks
Untreated panic attacks and panic disorder can affect almost every area of your life. You may be so afraid of recurring panic attacks that you live in constant fear, destroying the quality of your life. Complications that panic attacks can cause or be associated with include:
In some people, panic disorder may include agoraphobia - avoidance of places or situations that make you anxious because you are afraid that you will not be able to escape or seek help in case of a panic attack.
Or you may become dependent on others to be with you to leave your home.
Help Doc.ua: you can make an appointment with a psychotherapist on the website.
How to distinguish a panic attack from a heart attack? Expert 9 tells0001
Back to list
10/18/2022
Severe stress, depression or exhaustion of the body can cause panic attacks.
This is a state of severe anxiety or panic fear, which is accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and a feeling of suffocation. How to distinguish a panic attack from a heart attack? What to do in case of a panic attack? Which doctor should I contact for help? - This was told by Irina Golotina, a therapist at INVITRO-Rostov-on-Don LLC. nine0390
What are the similar symptoms and differences between a panic attack and a heart attack?
Panic attack and heart attack have similar symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain. However, in the case of a panic attack, the symptoms may last for about 20 minutes and then disappear, while the symptoms of a heart attack do not go away until medical attention is received.
In addition, patients feel warning symptoms before a heart attack, usually a few days before, and the heart attack itself most often occurs during physical activity. Panic attacks occur regardless of physical activity. nine0005
If a young person with no risk factors has chest pain, the chance of a heart attack is very low, but chest pain in a 50-year-old man who smokes for many years and has diabetes most likely signals a heart attack, and that he needs urgent medical attention.
The main risk factors for panic attacks are mental health, but in the case of a heart attack, the main role is played by the physical condition of a person, where the main indicator is age, cholesterol, body weight, blood pressure and other factors. nine0005
The nature of the pain may determine the type of attack it accompanies. Sharp pain behind the sternum or pain concentrated in one small area is associated with a panic attack. This pain is stabbing in nature, and it is also short-lived and lasts about 5-10 seconds.
During a heart attack, they complain of pressing, squeezing chest pains that spread to the left arm, can radiate to the right arm, neck, interscapular region, that is, they are most often associated precisely with physical exertion - physical and emotional overstrain. nine0005
What to do if a panic attack occurs?
If you have a panic attack, first of all pay attention to your bodily condition: you need to focus on breathing: breathe with your stomach, focusing on exhalation, try to find your body, realize its presence. To do this, you need to stand on both legs, “ground yourself” - imagine that fear goes through you into the ground, like an electric current, grab onto something or start shaking your hands, shaking off the tense state. If there is someone nearby, then it is better to tell him about it, that you are experiencing a panic attack and you need help. You can try to verbalize your feelings: say each sensation out loud, tell others that you are afraid. By voicing our fear, we reduce our anxiety.
