What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a feeling of fear that comes suddenly and in a short time.
This disorder is accompanied by physical reactions in response to situations that are considered threatening, even though they may not actually be threatening. This condition is included in mental health disorders.
When experiencing a panic attack, the body becomes sweaty, has difficulty breathing, and feels like the heart is beating fast. A panic attack may be short-lived (a few minutes), but the physical and emotional effects of the attack can last for hours.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Generally, panic attack symptoms can appear suddenly and last for 5-20 minutes, up to 1 hour. Some symptoms of panic attacks, namely:
- Trembling feeling.
- Sore throat and difficulty breathing.
- Fast and hard heartbeat.
- There are stomach cramps.
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness or even fainting.
- Nausea.
- Numb or immune.
- Excessive sweating.
- There is a feeling of impending disaster or danger.
- Having a fear of losing control or dying.
- Hot flashes.
- Headache.
Panic attacks also have similar symptoms to other illnesses, such as heart attacks.
If someone experiences a panic attack but it resembles the symptoms of a heart attack, it is recommended to immediately have an examination by a specialist doctor.
Panic Attack Risk Factors
Some factors that can trigger the body to inappropriately activate the “ flight-or-fight ” response include:
- Chronic (ongoing) stress. This causes the body to produce higher-than-normal levels of stress chemicals such as adrenaline.
- Acute stress (such as experiencing a traumatic event). This can flood the body with large amounts of stress chemicals.
- Hyperventilation. This condition can disrupt blood gas balance because there is not enough carbon dioxide in the blood.
- Intense physical exercise. For some people, this can cause extreme reactions.
- Excessive caffeine intake. Caffeine in coffee, tea, and other beverages is a powerful stimulant.
- May cause physical changes.
- Sudden changes in the environment. Such as walking into a crowded, hot, or stuffy environment.
Causes of Panic Attacks
After knowing what a panic attack is, you need to know what causes panic attacks.
Experts don’t know for sure what causes panic attacks. However, it is believed that the brain and nervous system play a major role in how a person perceives and handles fear and anxiety.
Some possible causes are related to the following:
- Family history. Anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, often run in families. But experts aren’t sure what causes them,
- Mental health issues. People who have anxiety disorders, depression, or other mental illnesses are more susceptible to panic attacks.
- Substance abuse problems. Alcohol and drug addiction can increase the risk of panic attacks.
- Temperament. People who have a high temperament are easily affected by stress.
- Having a history of physical or sexual abuse in childhood.
- There is trauma.
Panic Attack Diagnosis
Many people who experience a panic attack for the first time believe they are having a heart attack. It can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms without the help of a medical professional.
While at the emergency care facility, doctors will perform several tests to determine if the symptoms are caused by a heart attack, such as:
- Blood tests to rule out other possible conditions.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check heart function.
If they determine you don’t need emergency care, you’ll likely be referred back to your primary care doctor, if you have one.
A primary care physician will likely:
- Review previous lab results.
- Ask about symptoms.
- Conduct a mental health check.
A primary care physician or mental health specialist (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) can diagnose panic attacks and panic disorder.
Panic Attack Treatment
Treating panic attacks can be done in several ways, which are chosen and adjusted based on the sufferer’s condition and medical history, including:
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an effective primary treatment for panic attacks. It can help you understand your panic attacks and learn how to cope with them. A form of psychotherapy that may help is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Through CBT, a therapist will help you gradually recreate the symptoms of a panic attack, but in a safe and repetitive way.
Once the physical sensation of panic no longer feels threatening, the panic attack begins to subside. If treatment is successful, you can overcome your fears about the situations you must avoid.
2. Medicines
Medications can be used to temporarily control or reduce some of the symptoms of panic. Because they are temporary, medications cannot cure the problem.
Medication is only useful in severe cases, but it is not the only treatment. This means that medication also needs to be accompanied by other treatments, such as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
The use of drugs must also be based on the recommendation of a doctor. Some of the drugs prescribed are:
- Antidepressants. It can take several weeks for these drugs to start working. So, you have to take them continuously, not just during panic attacks. Examples of antidepressants are fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine. However, these drugs can only be obtained with a prescription and under the supervision of a doctor.
- Benzodiazepines. These are anti-anxiety medications that work very quickly, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. They can be used during a panic attack to quickly relieve symptoms. However, be aware that these drugs are highly addictive and have serious withdrawal symptoms. Some of the drugs that are benzodiazepines are alprazolam and Xanax. Learn the Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects of Xanax.
Panic Attack Prevention
Even if you feel weak or unable to control your feelings about panic attacks, it is important to know how to prevent them. After all, you have a role to play in helping yourself.
Here are some ways to prevent panic attacks that you can learn:
- Learn about panic attacks and anxiety. Learning about panic attacks can help you prevent panic attacks. You can learn how to respond to a panic attack. Also, learn that the sensations and feelings you experience when you panic are normal.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. All of these substances can trigger panic attacks, especially if you are someone who is susceptible.
- Learn how to control your breathing. Hyperventilation can cause dizziness and chest tightness during a panic attack. Therefore, it is important to take deep breaths to relieve panic symptoms.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Activities such as yoga, meditation, and muscle relaxation can help prevent panic attacks if practiced regularly. Relaxation techniques are not only useful for increasing relaxation but also increasing feelings of joy and inner balance.
- Stay connected with family and friends. Anxiety symptoms can get worse if you feel isolated. So, stay connected with people who care about you, such as family and close friends. If you don’t have close friends, try to build friendships with people who can support you.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise is a natural anxiety reliever. Try to be physically active for 30 minutes every day. You can also do rhythmic aerobics to be more effective.
- Get enough restful sleep. Poor sleep quality can worsen anxiety. Therefore, try to improve the quality of sleep to be more restful in sufficient time. Try to be able to sleep soundly for seven to nine hours every night on a regular basis.
Panic Attack Complications
It is important to note that panic attacks are very treatable. Unfortunately, many people delay treatment because they are embarrassed. If panic attacks are not treated, their quality of life can be compromised.
In addition, sufferers may face the following complications:
- Anticipatory anxiety. Panic attacks trigger more extreme anxiety.
- Phobia. A phobia is an excessive fear of something specific. For example, acrophobia (fear of heights) or claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).
- Agoraphobia. About two-thirds of people with panic disorder develop agoraphobia. This anxiety disorder causes a person to fear being in places or situations where a panic attack might occur. Worse, this fear can be so extreme that you are too afraid to leave your home.