What Is Panic Attack?

Ever experienced a sudden onset of fear, one you have no control over and at times it feels like you may be dying. In all probability, you've just experienced a panic attack. Imagine someone who experiences episodes almost on a daily basis. It's not a lot of fun.

Difference Between Anxiety And Panic Attack

Let's clear up the difference between anxiety and panic attacks. An anxiety attack tends to last longer. It is more of a gradual build up and the feeling is not quite as intense. On the other hand, panic attacks will occur without warning and overwhelm a person quickly.

So in summary, an anxiety attack is being worried about something while a panic attack is also being concerned about something in your life but with it comes the whole package, namely the symptoms of panic attack.

Panic Attack Symptoms

The startling statistic is panic attacks are reasonably common. In fact, about 33 per cent of adults have probably experienced an attack in some form or other. Isolated attacks, meaning a one off episode, have affected many people yet those very same people are described as healthy and happy. The symptoms include a shortness of breath, chest pains sweating, increased heart rate and a fear of losing control.

The time frame for most panic attacks is about 15-30 minutes and longer episodes would be considered rare. Apart from isolated instances of attack, other situations such as getting up in front of a large crowd to speak or simply having to face your most intense fear can lead to an episode of anxiety and panic attack.

Panic Disorder

The question is often asked if panic attack is present in isolated instances does this mean panic disorder is present? The answer is usually no however, if episodes are a frequent occurrence then panic disorder may be developed. Other tell tale signs may be if you are in constant fear of suffering another episode or you have had to alter your lifestyle to some extent because of the fear of panic attack then again, panic disorder may be developing.

If you are concerned about this then you have good reason because panic disorder can become a chronic condition. If you haven't sought professional advice, then you should really consider it.

Panic disorder can be difficult to diagnose because it's presence may be masked by the existence of other disorders such as depression. To treat panic disorder, then other conditions need to be established before it can be treated with success. The worst thing a person suspecting they may have developed the condition can do is to do nothing.