Common Signs of Panic Attacks

If you think you are experiencing panic attacks, you have to understand that the main sign of panic attacks is the panic episode itself. No one can really tell how a panic episode feels unless you experience it for yourself.

A panic attack usually lasts for about ten minutes. The episode peaks within the first few minutes and slowly diminishes over the next minutes or hours. Most of the time, people who experience their first panic attack cannot distinguish the physical and emotional signs of panic attacks. As a result, majority of first-time panic sufferers end up in the hospital.

In order to save time, avoid hospital costs and prevent stress caused by hospitalization, it is important that you recognize the signs of panic attacks to seek proper treatment and eventually learn to conquer the fear on your own.

Distinguishing the Signs of a Panic Attack

Signs of panic attacks are categorized by emotional and physical symptoms. Physical signs are those noticeable by a doctor, while the patient only describes the emotional signs. Physical signs of panic attacks include racing, pounding or skipping heartbeats, palpitations, chest pains, pressure or any kind of chest discomfort, changes to breathing, such as breathlessness, choking sensations, over-breathing, hyperventilation, rapid breathing, tightness in the throat and lump inside the throat.

Other signs of panic attacks include dizziness, numbness, tingling sensation, nausea, lightheadedness, trembling or shaking, chills or hot flashes, stomach problems, a feeling of fainting, leg weakness and excessive sweating. Since the physical signs of panic disorder can also indicate various health problems, a doctor may ask the patient about emotional symptoms he or she is thinking or feeling. The most common emotional sign of a panic attack is an unexplainable terror, panic or intense fear of an object or situation.

Generally, panic sufferers feel they are losing control of their minds and bodies. They believe they are having a heart attack; they are losing their minds, they are going to pass out or die, they are going to experience something bad. Most people who are experiencing a panic attack feel the need to flee or undergo personal detachment.

It is important to stop panic attacks before they transform into a more serious panic disorder, severe anxiety disorder or other life-changing disorder. When you experience any of the signs of panic attacks, always seek medical attention to ensure that you are given proper medication, therapy or alternative treatments.