Panic Attack
A panic attack is a condition that causes a person to suddenly feel intense anxiety and fear. During it, the heart seems to stop and the person cannot breathe. It feels as though they are going mad or dying. If a panic attack is not properly treated, it can progress toward panic disorder and create other complications. But with prompt treatment, the problem can be resolved or its intensity reduced, allowing the person to lead a normal life afterward.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is an unexpected fear that overwhelms a person with terror. It strikes without any warning — it can even attack someone who is resting or asleep. Some people experience a panic attack only once or twice in their lives, while others have them every few days. In particular, if a person finds themselves again in a situation where a panic attack occurred before, there is a chance of it recurring. A panic attack can also arise from other conditions such as phobia, social anxiety, or depression.
What are panic attacks and panic disorder?
Panic attacks and panic disorder are a kind of anxiety illness. During a panic attack, a person may feel they are losing control over their own reactions or emotions. If a person has such attacks four times a month, or if after one attack there is a constant fear that "I might die" or "I might faint," then it is called panic disorder.
What are the main signs and symptoms?
During a panic attack a person experiences several symptoms, such as:
- Extreme nervousness
- Intense fear
- Stress and anxiety
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fear of dying
How is it diagnosed and treated?
This disorder is diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Through various relaxation exercises, the person is helped to control their symptoms. Counselling is used to relieve stress, and treatment is provided through cognitive behaviour therapy.
In severe cases medication is needed; usually anti-anxiety medication is prescribed.
It is important to know that panic disorder is not a life-threatening illness, but it can affect a person's confidence. The symptoms can be controlled, and with timely support and awareness, panic disorder can be kept in check.
