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 What is a Panic Attack and When Should You Seek Help?

Defining Panic Attacks

In truth, there are a lot of possible definitions of panic attacks - and they vary from person to person. But what is known is that panic attacks occur when the body gets a rush of adrenaline, causing it to feel the 'fight or flight' response. The body becomes very excited and energized, but also tense and nervous while the adrenaline moves through the blood stream. These attacks can often last for twenty minutes to up to a few hours, depending on how fast the adrenaline can be used up.

Often without a discernable cause, panic attacks are generally precipitated by a stressful event, but can also occur for no reason at all. When a person has a panic attack the first time, it can often lead to subsequent panic attacks because the person now fears that it will happen again and again.

Possible Symptoms

Just as every person is different every panic attack can have different signs and symptoms. These symptoms can include:

Palpitations, fast heart rate

Sweating and flushing of the skin

Shaking

Feeling short of breath, or choking

Chest discomfort or pain

Nausea or digestive distress

Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or as though you may faint

Feelings of things being 'unreal'

Feeling detached from the world around you

Fear of losing control

Fear of going crazy

Fear of dying

Tingling feelings

Chills or hot flashes

These signs can come one at a time, or all at once, depending on the severity of the panic attack. Some people will only feel a few moderate symptoms, which others liken the panic attack experience to feeling like they were having a heart attack.

A pure panic attack is not necessarily a dangerous event. More than 5% of the population will experience one at one point of their life or another.

But this is the main reason why panic attacks require some sort of medical treatment or attention. Because their symptoms are so similar to more serious and deadly medication events, you need to know when to call in a professional opinion.

When You Need Medical Attention

Determining when you might need medical attention is a tricky proposition. Because your body is surging with adrenaline, it can certainly feel as though you are dying, even if you are not.

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to chest related symptoms. If you feel pain or pressure in your chest that does not go memoirs of the courts of europe you need immediate medical attention. Chances are pretty good that you are only having a panic attack, but in the case that you may not be, you need immediate assistance to prevent heart damage.