Q1: What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden attack of exaggerated anxiety and fear. Often, attacks happen without warning and without any apparent reason. Some people may experience just one episode of panic attack, while others can have recurring episodes.
Recurring episodes usually happen after a person is exposed to various events or situations that may "trigger" panic. While it is generally harmless, panic attacks can severely disable a person physically, emotionally and psychologically.
Q2: Who gets panic attacks?
The condition affects many people. It is believed that 10% of the total population is suffering from panic attacks, yet many are still undiagnosed or under-diagnosed. They tend to occur more on young adults. Females are twice as prone to have an attack as males. It is also said that the condition is genetically inherited; therefore, panic attacks may run in the family.
Q3: How do I know if I am having an attack?
A panic attack can be identified with different signs and symptoms. They include increased heartbeat or palpitation, chest pain, hyperventilation or shortness of breath, stomach churning, upset stomach, trembling and shaking, muscle tension, sweating, dizziness and light-headedness, hot or cold flashes, tingling sensation or numbness, fear of dying, going crazy or losing control and feeling detached from the surroundings.
The challenge here is the similarity between panic attacks symptoms and heart attack symptoms. To avoid taking any treatment for an illness that you do not have, it is always better to consult your doctor especially if you experienced this problem for the first time.
Q4: What can cause an attack?
Many panic attacks happen without any apparent reason; they just come out of the blue. However, attacks may be caused by past traumatic experiences such as death of a loved one, family conflicts, bad relationships, divorce of parents, car accident, public humiliation, etc. An attack may occur when a person is exposed to various events or situations almost similar to the past that may "trigger" panic.
Q5: What should I do during an attack?
Panic attacks peak from 5 to 10 minutes. It rarely lasts for more than half an hour. Since the increase in heart rate is the main reason for experiencing other symptoms, it is important to take control of your breathing during an attack. Breathe as slowly and deeply as you can.
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