What is a Panic Attack?

Answer:
Someone having a panic attack experiences a

sudden onset of anxiety, fear, discomfort, and physiological arousal. The episode usually occurs rather abruptly and often for no apparent reason.

These episodes are felt to be part of the fight or fight response that is occuring out of context. This induces the heart to secrete hormones, particularly adrenaline.

People suffering a panic attack can experience a sudden surge of adrenaline, shortness of breath, elevated heart rate or palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pains, tingling, claustrophobia, and a general feeling of terror.

The symptoms of a panic attack usually last around ten minutes. They can also last for as little as a minute, or in severe cases, go on for hours.

Different people can be affected differently by a panic attack. Someone who has suffered a lot of attacks might be able to make it through the attack with little to no noticeable external symptoms. A first time sufferer may believe that they are having a heart attack or other serious medical emergency and call an ambulance or go to the emergency room.

There are a variety of effective treatments for panic attacks including several medications and forms of psychotherapy. Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and benzodiazepine medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of panic disorder. These medications include Zoloft and Paxil from the SSRI group and Klonopin from the benzodiazepine group.

Research has shown that a combination of medication and psychotherapy treatment for panic attacks is more effective than either one done alone. Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely accepted as a form of psychotherapy that helps deal with the irrational thoughts that reinforce the symptoms of a panic attack. These treatments can help to prevent panic attacks or reduce their severity and frequency.


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