Panic Attacks are sudden periods of intense, frightening anxiety. Why do they happen?
Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety. There can be increasing physiological arousal, fear, stomach problems and discomfort. The start of these episodes is typically abrupt, and may have no obvious triggers.
Even though these attacks may appear to be random, they are a part of an evolutionary response often referred to as fight or flight. This occurs when there appears to be no reason for such a response.
This response floods the body with hormones, particularly adrenaline. The body uses adrenaline when it feels it is defending against harm. Experiencing a panic attack is said to be one of the most intensely frightening, upsetting and uncomfortable experiences of a person’s life.
The symptoms of a panic attack usually last just about thirty minutes. However, panic attacks can be as short as 15 seconds. Even though panic attacks may form a cyclic series of episodes which last for an extended period, sometimes for hours.
The effect of a panic attack varies from person to person. First-time sufferers, can call for emergency services. Other first timers who experience a panic attack fear they are having a heart attack or a nervous breakdown
While the various symptoms of a panic attack may cause one to feel that the body is failing, it is in fact protecting itself from harm
The various symptoms of a panic attack can be understood as follows:
First, there is frequently (but not always) the sudden onset of fear with almost no provoking stimulus. This leads to a release of adrenaline (epinephrine) which brings about the fight-or-flight response. The body now prepares for strenuous physical activity. This increases heart rate and rapid breathing which may be perceived as shortness of breath. Sweating may also occur.
Since strenuous activity rarely happens, this hyperventilation leads to a drop in carbon dioxide levels in the lungs and then in the blood. This leads to shifts in blood pH , which leads to many other symptoms. Among them are tingling or numbness, dizziness, burning and lightheadedness
A panic attack can cause blood sugar to be drawn away from the brain and towards the major muscles. It is also possible for the person experiencing such an attack to feel as though they are unable to catch their breath, and they begin to take deeper breaths, which also acts to decrease carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
People who have had a panic attack in certain situations may develop irrational fears,or phobias, about these situations and begin to avoid them. Eventually, this pattern of avoidance and level of anxiety about another attack may get to the point where these individuals are unable to drive or even step out of their home. At this stage, the sufferer is said to have panic disorder with agoraphobia
This is one of the most harmful side-effects of panic disorder. It may prevent sufferers from seeking treatment. It is true that upwards of 90% of agoraphobics achieve a full recovery. Agoraphobia is actually not a fear of certain places but a fear of having panic attacks in certain places.
It is important to realize that agoraphobia is by no means a hopeless situation. Sufferers do not realize that they have experienced these similar situations before and nothing terrible occurred. Successful treatment is certainly possible.
Some who have persistent, repeated attacks or feel severe anxiety about having another attack are found to have panic disorder. Panic disorder is strikingly different from other types of anxiety disorders in that panic attacks are often unprovoked and sudden.
Panic attack sufferers can often be successfully treated with therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants.
Disclaimer ” No information included here is meant to treat, mitigate, diagnose or cure any condition or disease. You should talk with your doctor before using. No government agency has approved this information. It is meant only for educational purposes.
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