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 this hormone when it feels it is defending against harm. Experiencing a panic attack is claimed to be one of the most intensely frightening, upsetting and uncomfortable experiences of a person’s life.
The symptoms of a panic attack ordinarily last approximately thirty minutes. However, panic attacks can be as short as 15 seconds. Although, panic attacks may form a cyclic series of episodes lasting 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 strong symptoms of a panic attack may cause one to feel that the body is failing, it is in fact protecting itself from harm
Understanding a panic attack’s symptoms follows:
First, there is frequently (but not always) the sudden onset of fear with little provoking stimulus. This leads to a release of adrenaline (epinephrine) which brings about the so-called fight-or-flight response. The body prepares for strenuous physical activity. This leads to an increased heart rate and also 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
An attack can cause blood sugar to be taken away from the brain and moved towards the major muscles. Sometimes, the persons experiencing such an attack 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, the pattern of avoidance and level of anxiety about another attack may reach the point where individuals with panic disorder are unable to drive or even step out of the house. At this stage, the person 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 note that agoraphobia is not a hopeless situation. Sufferers often do not realize that they have experienced these same situations before and nothing terrible occurred. Successful treatment is possible.
Those who have repeated, persistent attacks or feel severe anxiety about having another attack are diagnosed as having panic disorder. Panic disorder is different from other types of anxiety disorders in that panic attacks are often sudden and unprovoked.
People with panic attacks often can be successfully treated with therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and/or anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants.
Disclaimer ” Information included here is not meant to diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure any condition or disease. You should consult with your doctor or medical adviser before using. No information given here is approved by any government agency. It is for educational purpose only.