Do You Experience Panic Attack Symptoms?
When you feel any of the following, you most likely are experiencing a panic attack. On the other hand, if this is initial stage, you are not able to feel these symptoms, and you should seek medical help immediately because there is no way of knowing whether you are having a panic attack, or if the symptoms are related to a more serious problem.
If this is the second, third, or one hundredth time you’ve had these symptoms, then you may have a real panic disorder.
Panic attack symptoms:
- Fear of impending doom, insanity or death;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Uncontrollable itching;
- Shaking;
- Exhaustion;
- Tunnel vision;
- Chest pains;
- Vertigo;
- Racing heart beat;
- Hyperventilation;
- Uncontrollable crying;
- Racing thoughts;
- Loud internal voices;
- Feeling out of control;
- Cramping;
- Dizziness;
- Nausea;
- Hot flashes;
- Trembling;
- Tingling in extremities;
- Claustrophobia;
- Limpness in the body;
- Sweating;
- Extreme nervousness;
- Terror;
- Chills;
- Apparent slowing down or speeding up of time.
If you experience 4 or more of the above symptoms then chances are you have a real panic disorder. The good new is that there are a wide variety of treatments available to you ranging from prescription drugs to cognitive therapy to natural techniques.
Panic attacks can often be triggered simply by the fear of having another panic attack. A person could be alone, or within a group, and suddenly the cycle of fear and anxiety creates a negative feedback loop, as physical symptoms encourage negative thoughts, which in turn heighten the physical response. Soon, the initial trigger may be completely forgotten, and a person is physically preparing for a worst-case life or death situation, when in fact the environment surrounding them is completely safe.
The underlying cause of panic attack symptoms is the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) into the bloodstream. Adrenaline is a hormone released by the adrenal glands which sit atop the kidneys. It is responsible for our “fight” response and has served a useful purpose in our evolution. However, it now seems to be working against us, as many situations which give rise to the release of adrenaline pose no immediate physical danger. This inappropriate bodily response is most readily apparent in those experiencing panic attacks.
By educating yourself on the mechanism that perpetuates panic attacks, you are already on your way toward leading a panic and anxiety free life. Be sure to check out the resources on this site in order to accelerate this journey.