Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

by | Jun 27, 2018 | Anxiety

Charlie was in a local store when all of a sudden, his heart began racing, he felt chest pain, was nauseous, had shortness of breath, a choking feeling, felt dizzy and felt that he was going to die. Charlie thought he was having a heart attack and called 9-1-1.

Charlie was experiencing a panic attack. It is estimated that 2-3% of Americans experience panic attacks each year and women are 2x’s more likely than men to experience panic attacks.1 Individuals experiencing a panic attack will usually exhibit several of the following symptoms:

  • Pounding or a fast heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or stomach pain
  • Feeling unreal or detached
  • Numbness or tingling in the body
  • Fear of dying
  • Fear of losing control or going crazy
  • Chills or hot flashes
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Choking feeling or chest pain
  • Dizziness or feel faint 2

Panic attacks can be caused by trauma, either recent or past. Panic attacks can also occur “out of the blue” with no rhyme or reason. They can be frightening and overwhelming. They can also be random, in that one day, a person may be able to go somewhere, drive, etc. with no problem and another day, the same activity may end in a panic attack.

There is no specific cause of panic attacks. There is evidence that heredity plays a part in someone developing panic disorder, as well as, childhood experiences of physical and sexual abuse. In addition, specific stressors such as physical well-being, death in the family, etc. have also been linked to the development of panic attacks. Interestingly, smoking is a risk factor for panic attacks and panic disorder. 3

Treatment for Panic Disorder/panic attacks often involves psychotherapy (counseling), medication, or both. Left untreated, anxiety and panic attacks can lead to depression, more anxiety and significant impairment in social, occupational and personal functioning.

References

1. https//adaa.org
2.www.webmd.com
3.American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition
www.nimhinih.gov