( see left menu for for causes, symptoms, complications, prevent, types, treatment)
A panic attack is best described as a terrible emotional nightmare that affects you in various ways.
Some people suffering panic attacks feel like they are in an increasing cycle of catastrophe and that something bad is going to happen to them "this very moment."
Some others feel they are having a heart attack because their heartbeat increases, convincing them that they are going to have a heart attack.
Yet others experience a feeling of "losing control" and that they will do something embarrassing. Others hyperventilate and feel like they will suffocate. (Watch the video below)
Common symptoms of a panic attack include:
a racing or pounding heartbeat
dizziness and lightheadedness
feeling that "I can't catch my breath"
chest pains or a "heaviness" in the chest
flushes or chills
tingling in the hands, feet, legs, arms
jumpiness, trembling, twitching muscles
sweaty palms, flushed face
terror
fear of losing control
fear of a stroke that will lead to disability
fear of dying
fear of going crazy
A panic attack usually lasts several minutes and is a very distressing experience for a person.
Panic attacks are also known to last for longer periods in some cases and also to recur repeatedly.
The aftereffets of a panic attack is excruciating. This includes feeling depressed and helpless, alongwith a looming fear that the panic attack will continue to come back over and over again.
A panic attack is not necessarily triggered by a known factor and come unexpectedly.
However, too much stress or other negative circumstances can trigger panic attacks.
