What Is A Panic Attack?

Panic attacks are brief outbursts of acute fear, panic, or anxiety. They are overwhelming, with both physical and emotional sensations. Many people who suffer from panic attacks have trouble breathing, sweat profusely, quiver, and feel their hearts racing. During a panic attack, some people may suffer chest pain and a sense of disconnection from reality or themselves, leading them to believe they are experiencing a heart attack. Others have said they feel like they’re suffering a stroke.

Symptoms

Panic attacks usually start suddenly and without notice. They can happen at any time, whether you’re driving a car, shopping at the mall, sleeping, or in the middle of a business meeting. You may get panic attacks on occasion or on a frequent basis.

Panic attacks can manifest in a variety of ways, but symptoms often peak within minutes. You may feel tired after a panic episode. Some of the symptoms of a panic attack are as follows:

• A feeling of impending doom or danger
• Fear of losing control or dying
• Heart rate is racing and thumping
• Sweating
• Shaking or trembling
• Shortness of breath or throat tightness
• Chills
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Feeling Dizzy

One of the most distressing aspects of panic attacks is the intense fear of having another one. You may be so afraid of panic attacks that you avoid circumstances where they are likely to occur.

What causes panic attacks?

Experts are baffled as to why some people suffer from panic attacks or acquire panic disorder. Both the brain and the nervous system play essential roles in how you perceive and respond to fear and anxiety. You are more likely to suffer from panic attacks if you have:

• Anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorders, frequently run in families. Experts are perplexed as to why.
• Panic attacks are more likely in people who suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, or other mental illnesses.
• Alcoholism and drug addiction can raise the likelihood of panic attacks.

Treatment

The racing heartbeat or other symptoms of an attack can be similar to those of other disorders, such as heart disease. As a result, your doctor will most likely begin by performing a thorough physical examination on you. That way, they can ensure that your symptoms aren’t caused by an illness you weren’t aware of. If no such medical disease is found, your doctor may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who is qualified to recognize panic attacks. To figure out what’s wrong, your doctor will combine the counselor’s advice with their observations. 

Counseling

Numerous mental health assistance providers offer superior psychological treatment services to assist you in overcoming challenges with less discomfort. “Talk therapy” may be used to begin the treatment. You’ll meet with a counselor who will help you understand the panic disorder and how to manage it. As your treatment progresses, counseling should assist you in determining the conditions, ideas, or feelings that trigger your attacks. When you realize what’s going on, those triggers have less of an impact.

Counseling should also teach you that the physical impacts of the attacks do not harm you. You and your therapist will work through your symptoms in a safe, gradual manner until they become less frightening. This can also aid in the termination of the attacks. You’ll also discover relaxing techniques to assist you to deal with attacks when they occur. Controlling your breathing, for example, may make a panic attack less severe. It may also lessen the likelihood of the next one. To enjoy the benefits, you must put these abilities into practice regularly in your daily life.

We hope that now you have a better understanding of what a panic attack is. If you’re searching for the best therapists and counselors in Illinois, visit Gooding Grove Psychology & Associates today.