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Panic Attacks: Panic Attacks Typically Include Some of These Signs or Symptoms

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52 views3 pages

Panic Attacks: Panic Attacks Typically Include Some of These Signs or Symptoms

Uploaded by

subham kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction

You might hear people talking about panic attacks and anxiety attacks like
they’re the same thing. They’re different conditions though.

Panic attacks come on suddenly and involve intense and often overwhelming


fear. They’re accompanied by frightening physical symptoms, such as a racing
heartbeat, shortness of breath, or nausea.

The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) recognizes panic attacks, and categorizes them as unexpected or
expected.

Unexpected panic attacks occur without an obvious cause. Expected panic


attacks are cued by external stressors, such as phobias. Panic attacks can
happen to anyone, but having more than one may be a sign of panic disorder.

Definition

Sign & Symptoms

Panic attacks typically include some of these signs or symptoms:

 Sense of impending doom or danger

 Fear of loss of control or death

 Rapid, pounding heart rate

 Sweating

 Trembling or shaking

 Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat

 Chills

 Hot flashes

 Nausea

 Abdominal cramping

 Chest pain
 Headache

 Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness

 Numbness or tingling sensation

 Feeling of unreality or detachment

Causes & risk factors

Causes
It's not known what causes panic attacks or panic disorder, but these factors may
play a role:

 Genetics

 Major stress

 Temperament that is more sensitive to stress or prone to negative emotions

 Certain changes in the way parts of your brain function

Risk factors
Symptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect
more women than men.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder
include:

 Family history of panic attacks or panic disorder

 Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one

 A traumatic event, such as sexual assault or a serious accident

 Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby

 Smoking or excessive caffeine intake

 History of childhood physical or sexual abuse

Diagnostic evaluation
Diagnosis
Your primary care provider will determine if you have panic attacks, panic disorder or
another condition, such as heart or thyroid problems, with symptoms that resemble
panic attacks.

To help pinpoint a diagnosis, you may have:

 A complete physical exam

 Blood tests to check your thyroid and other possible conditions and

 tests on your heart, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

 A psychological evaluation to talk about your symptoms, fears or concerns, stressful


situations, relationship problems, situations you may be avoiding, and family history

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