Panic is a natural response which occurs in extremely stressful situations, for example,
when your house is on fire. But, for 3 percent of the general population, panic attacks
occur spontaneously or with little provocation. The age of onset varies, but is typically
around late adolescence or in the mid-30’s. These attacks come on suddenly, varying in
frequency from several times a day to a few episodes a year. Initially, individuals who
start having panic attacks might think they are having a heart attack or that the are
going “crazy.” This is not surprising because the feelings are so foreign and intense, and
there are many physiologic changes that are similar to a true heart attack. If not diagnosed
appropriately, a person with panic attacks may be sent away from the emergency
room repeatedly without the proper interventions.
Symptoms
Discrete period of sudden intense apprehension, fearfulness, or terror, often
associated with feelings of impending doom.
Shortness of breath
Dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint
Rapid or strong heart beat
Chest pain or discomfort
Choking or smothering sensations
Urgent need to escape or leave
Sweating
Treatment
Medication and psychotherapy have both been shown to help reduce panic attacks. A
variety of medications now available are extremely effective and have few associated
side effects. Psychotherapy provides 1) preventive measures which lessen the frequency
of attacks, 2) coping strategies during an attack, and 3) an avenue of overcoming the
psychological and social effects caused by these attacks. Click Here!