Panic Attacks & Anxiety

Panic attacks are brief episodes of extreme fear. They may be mistaken for heart attacks or strokes, but are actually psychological rather than physical. Panic attacks can occur suddenly and usually peak within ten minutes. Most panic attacks end within 20 to 30 minutes.

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Symptoms of Panic Attacks

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• Chills

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Chest pain

• Palpitations

• Shaking

• Feelings of suffocation

 

Sometimes panic attacks are isolated incidents, but if a person has had at least two panic attacks and lives in fear of having another, they may have panic disorder. A panic attack can happen without an obvious cause, but people with panic disorder may develop phobias related to something they associate with panic attacks, including open spaces, and large crowds.

 

Panic disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder, and like other forms of anxiety, it is commonly treated with a combination of therapy modalities to understand and heal the root of the fear causing this anxiety in order to eliminate the panic and anxiety. The root of the fear is often caused by a past traumatic event or many traumatic incidents which may be causing current symptoms of PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) which includes anxiety and panic attacks.