Contents:

  1. Symptoms of a Panic Attack

  2. Causes of a Panic Attack

  3. What to do in case of a panic attack?

  4. Treatment Methods for Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden attack of intense anxiety and fear that develops without apparent cause, but is accompanied by pronounced somatic symptoms. A person experiences irrational terror, even though their health and life are not in danger. This triggers a cascade of reactions in the body that mobilize resources to combat the danger. A sudden surge of adrenaline into the bloodstream causes increased sweating, a faster heart rate, and other disturbances.

Coping with emotions during a panic attack is extremely difficult. A person loses control and thinks they are about to die. Such an attack can last from one minute to half an hour or more. Most often, it resolves on its own when the person begins to calm down through willpower.

If panic attacks recur, consult your family doctor. They will conduct a diagnosis to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, after which they will refer you to a specialist or prescribe the necessary therapy.

Symptoms of a Panic Attack

The main symptoms of a panic attack are increasing anxiety and fear. Within minutes, these are joined by physiological symptoms. These may include:

  • palpitations;

  • chest pain;

  • severe sweating;

  • dizziness;

  • a feeling of tightness in the throat;

  • a feeling of suffocation;

  • shortness of breath;

  • nausea;

  • chills;

  • numbness in the arms and legs;

  • a tingling sensation body;

  • high blood pressure;

  • dry lips and tongue;

  • burning sensation in the stomach.

Panic attacks are characterized by at least four symptoms. Their combination and intensity during attacks can vary.

It should also be taken into account that these symptoms can manifest with various diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Therefore, before confirming panic disorder, a comprehensive diagnosis is performed.

Causes of Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a psychophysiological disorder. It can be triggered by both emotional factors and various processes within the body.

Experts distinguish three groups of causes:

  • Psychogenic – emotional shocks associated with the loss of a loved one, divorce, family quarrels, conflicts at work, accidents, etc., as well as watching shocking films and TV shows;

  • Biological – hormonal imbalances as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, starting hormonal contraceptives, etc. (if the condition is associated with endocrine diseases, a diagnosis of panic disorder is not made);

  • Physiogenic – Consuming large amounts of alcohol, taking drugs, intoxication, excessive physical activity, changing climate zones, and weather sensitivity are among the most common causes of panic attacks.

People with unstable nervous systems, prone to anxiety, and mental disorders are most susceptible to panic attacks.

What to do in case of a panic attack?

During a panic attack, it is very important to be able to calm yourself down. For this, it is recommended to:

  • remind yourself that there is no real threat to life, and the fear is caused by a fantasy;

  • concentrate on your breathing – inhale slowly and exhale even more slowly;

  • pay attention to your body – During an attack, muscles tense up, so it's important to relax your arms, legs, stomach, jaw, and other body parts (you can sit or stand comfortably, leaning on something, and mentally walk from your toes to the top of your head, gradually relaxing all the muscles);

  • Close your eyes and transport yourself to pleasant memories – you can imagine yourself in a safe place, at home, on vacation, on any day where it was nice and calm;

  • Shift your attention to one object – look at your wristwatch, cell phone, book, or any other object;

  • Return to reality – Do something familiar and monotonous, count some objects, etc.;

  • Go to a quieter and calmer place;

  • Ask for help from people nearby.

If someone close to you is having a panic attack, you can