Symptoms of a Panic Attack Can Come on Quickly and Without Warning

There have been many words that have been used to try to describe the symptoms of a panic attack. Words like scared, fear, nervous apprehension, being out of control, terror stricken and cold sweat are just some of the words used to describe the feelings of a panic attack. The most prevalent explanation however is the feeling of eminent and overwhelming danger and death.

The good news is that the although panic attacks can come on suddenly, they rarely last more than a few minutes. According to the American Psychological Association, a panic episode typically lasts about 10 minutes. The key factor and panic attacks however is the severity and triggers that can begin in episode.

The typical panic attack symptoms reported include:

A feeling of being startled because it comes on without warning

A shaking or trembling feeling inside.

A pounding heart. Feeling your pulse in your head, shoulders and neck

Sweating

Chest pain caused from the pounding heart feeling

Shortness of breath, dizziness and choking

Nausea almost to the point of vomiting

Intestinal cramps

Numbness in your hands and feet

A general feeling of dread and that your spirit is becoming detached from your body. DEATH!

The reason why many panic attack patients feel as if they're going to die is that the above symptoms also can be indicators of these physical illnesses.

Thyroid Disorders
Diabetes
Hypoglycemia
Asthma
Sleep Disorders Adrenal Disorders
Epilepsy
Heart Conditions
Migraines
Other psychiatric illnesses

A panic attack is a period of intense fear and high anxiety that can have specific physical symptoms. Although not everyone will identify the same symptoms, many express feelings of being out of control and fearing for their life.

While the causes of panic attacks are complex, the action that's needed to begin treatment is not. Whether it's an addiction or mental disorders that result in these attacks, you need to get to your doctor to rule out physical problems. They can then refer you to the appropriate mental health resources to deal with the other aspects of your illness.

Normal people when placed in a dangerous situation will experience similar symptoms of a panic attack. This is because these changes are normal and work as part of our survival instinct. When we perceive a danger or are frightened or scared, our bodies release adrenaline / epinephrine which are hormones that prepare us take either fight off the danger or run away from it.

The trouble for panic attack victims is that their body will release these hormones at inappropriate times thereby causing a panic episode to start. While healthy people will seldom experience in adrenaline rush, panic attack victims may have one or more daily. Imagine the anxiety and worry of experiencing panic symptoms simply by walking the dog or doing other typical things around your own home.

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