Panic Attacks Article

Worry Looks Back!

Do you feel your whole body tensing up and have to concentrate to keep it relaxed?  Do you have shortness of breath?  Do you feel like bees are buzzing in your tummy, and moving up your esophagus?  Do you have a feeling of impending doom?  Well these are just a few of the many symptoms that are associated with a panic attack. 

Having panic attacks can be a sign of mental illness. It may take a few trips to different doctors to determine your unique diagnosis.  Be careful when choosing a Psychiatrist.  They are people too.  You may not click with your first one or your second one or on and on and on.  Keep searching until you find the one who fits you. A very good doctor will be patient and write things down for you so you can remember what you are supposed to do as many medications have the side effect of impaired memory.  A good doctor won’t get mad at you for your disease. This is what you should be looking for in a Psychiatrist.   

Some anxiety is normal from time to time.  With this crazy world we live in today, who wouldn’t get anxious occasionally?  Thinking about the threat of a terrorist attack sends a lot of people into anxiety. This is normal, or as normal as it can be.   However, relevant medical information is necessary to diagnose an anxiety disorder.  It is important to document your symptoms.  So that you can present them to your physician when ready.  

The symptoms of a panic attack are, but are not limited to:

1.   Chest pains

2.   Stomach upset

3.   Dizziness, lightheadedness,

4.   Nausea

5.   Difficulty breathing

6.   Tingling and numbness in the hands

7.   Flushes or chills

8.   Dreamlike sensations

9.   Perceptual distortions

10. Terror

11. Fear of losing control

12. Fear of dying 

These can all be symptoms of an anxiety attack.  If you are experiencing more than a few of these symptoms seek the advice of your doctor.

Panic attacks typically last for a few minutes and it is one of the most distressing conditions that a person can experience.  Most who have one will have others.  When someone has repeated attacks or feels severe anxiety about having another attack, they are said to have a panic disorder.

A panic attack is feels like things crawling the walls inside your head.  You cannot escape them on your own.  You need medical attention for these attacks.  Panic attacks may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder.  These attacks are a serious health problem in this country.  At least 1.7% of adult Americans, or about 3 million people, will have a panic attack at some point in their lives.  The symptom is strikingly different from other types of anxiety in that panic attacks are so very sudden, often unexpected, appear to be unprovoked, and are most often disabling. 

Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep, waking you and interrupting your sleep pattern. An attack may last as long as ten minutes but may last longer. Once someone has had a panic attack, for example; while driving, in a crowded store or riding an elevator, they may develop irrational fears called phobias about these situations and begin to avoid them.  Eventually, the pattern of avoidance and level of anxiety about another attack may reach the point where the individual may be unable to drive or even step out of the house.  At that point it is said that this condition has had a serious impact on the person’s life.

 By Andrea McKinney

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Disclaimer: All research and clinical material published by YoubulkSmart website is for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources. Patients and consumers should review the information carefully with their professional health care provider. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians. YoubulkSmart under no circumstances recommends particular treatment for specific individuals and in all cases recommend that you consult your physician or local treatment center before pursuing any course of treatment.