These are a serious health problem in the U.S. At least 20% of adult Americans, or about 60 million people, will suffer from panic attacks at some point in their lives.
Once someone has had a panic attack, for example, while driving, shopping in a crowded store, or riding in an elevator, he or she may develop irrational fears, called phobias, about these situations and begin to avoid them. There are two types of panic disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
Panic attacks in children may result in the child's grades declining, avoiding school and other separations from parents, as well as substance abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts, plans, and/or actions.
What are panic attack symptoms and signs?
The symptoms of a panic attack appear suddenly, without any apparent cause. They may include
- racing or pounding heartbeat (palpitations);
- chest pains;
- stomach upset;
- dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea;
- difficulty breathing, a sense of feeling smothered;
- tingling or numbness in the hands;
- hot flashes or chills;
- trembling and shaking;
- dreamlike sensations or perceptual distortions;
- terror, a sense that something unimaginably horrible is about to occur and one is powerless to prevent it;
- a need to escape;
- nervousness about the possibility of losing control and doing something embarrassing;
- fear of dying.
The duration of a panic attack can vary greatly, it typically lasts for more than 10 minutes. Its symptoms can closely mimic those of a heart attack. Typically, most people who have one attack will have others.
What is the treatment for panic attacks?
At AspenPointe, Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely used as an effective form of psychotherapy. This form of therapy seeks to help those with panic disorder identify and decrease the irrational thoughts and behaviors that reinforce panic symptoms.
