Healthy Reflections Newsletter
Linda Young, Ph.D., LMFT
Publisher
(850) 656-1404
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Your Mental Health Nugget:
August 3, 2008
Am I Having A Panic Attack?
Approximately 5% of Americans suffer from panic attacks. Some health care professionals believe that the reported number of cases are actually low, since many people experience panice attacks but never receive treatment. Panic attacks are one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits because the symptoms frequently mimic those of a heart attack.
These symptoms include:
- Racing or pounding heart
- Dizziness
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Chest pain or heaviness in the chest
- Tingling in hands, feet, legs or arms
- Feeling unable to breath
- Fear of dying
Panic attacks occur suddenly, without warning, leaving the victim with a sense of terror. They can also leave the individual with feelings of hopelessness and loss of control.
A panic attack can last from several minutes up to thirty minutes or more and is extremely exhausting and frightening. Many individuals experiencing a panic attack report feeling as if they are going to die, going crazy or are losing control. In some cases, panic attacks last longer than a few minutes or strike several times in a short period of time. Approximately half of panic attacks occur during sleep.
Although the panic attack may seem to appear from out of the blue, it typically comes following an extended period of stress, lasting generally over a period of months not weeks. If you believe that you are suffering from panic attacks, it's vital to first rule out any possible underlying physical problems. Then, the focus can be on treatment for panic symptoms and address the emotional/psychological concerns contributing to the condition.
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