There are many common symptoms of panic attacks. When an individual experiences a panic attack, various symptoms occur that can leave that person in a state of devastation. Generally, these attacks last as little as five minutes, and can be as long as a half an hour.
This attack is a direct result of a high level of anxiety that occurs when fear is experienced at intense levels. People who suffer from this particular type of attack experience both physiological and psychological symptoms. Furthermore, most people who suffer from panic attacks find that these episodes can actually interfere with day to day living. Here are some of the most common symptoms of panic attacks one may experience.
The Symptoms of Panic Disorder Attacks
If a person suffers from panic disorder, or simply panic attacks that are not directly related to panic disorder, the following symptoms may be experienced:
1. The initial emotion and experience of a panic attack generally involves feeling terrified or extremely fearful. When this occurs, anxiety levels are heightened.
2. There could also be complications when it comes to breathing. Breathing may be labored or shallow.
3. Tightness and immense pain in the area of the chest is relatively common.
4. Mild to severe sweating may be experienced.
5. Gastrointestinal difficulties that include those of basic nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and similar conditions may occur.
6. It is relatively common for a person to feel as if their heart rate speeds up during an attack. In many cases, it may feel as if the heart has become weak.
7. Panic attacks may result in an individual feeling dizzy, and potentially “off balance”. In some cases, weakness of the body may also be experienced.
8. It is not entirely uncommon for these types of attacks to result in tingling sensations, and issues with numbness in various areas throughout the body. The most common areas for this to occur are the hands and the feet.
9. When a panic attack occurs, the body is experiencing an undue amount of stress. When this occurs, the natural biological response of “fight or flight” is initiated. As a result, physiological changes such as an elevation in blood pressure and an increased need for oxygen are experienced.
10. Those that suffer from anxiety related attacks often suffer from at least a mild form of depression.
Managing Panic Attack Symptoms
When a person suffers from panic attacks, there are a number of methods in which they can use to manage and overcome them. Generally, a medical professional will suggest implementing the use of medications and even counseling services to equip the patient with the ability to cope effectively with this complication.
There are certain medications, such as Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Xanax, Klonopin, and those that are similar in nature that have been found to be quite effective in assisting in the management of panic attacks. Professional counseling, group therapy, support groups, and cognitive behavior type therapy are also effective coping strategies.
For the individual that experiences severe bouts of anxiety that is marked by an excessive fear, panic attacks may be evident. There are many physiological symptoms such as complications in breathing, rapid heart rate and gastrointestinal complications that may be experienced. In addition to this, psychological symptoms are also experienced. These may include severe levels of terror, the fear of dying, and depression. There are many means to managing this condition. Prescription medications and counseling are top strategies to eliminating the common symptoms of panic attacks.