Monday, November 16, 2009

What Are Panic Attack Symptoms?

By Greg Anderson

Panic attack symptoms can vary widely by the person, and contrary to their name, they often involve a lot more than panic alone. Fear, illness, pain, and many other problems can come along with the feelings of panic, leaving the person suffering the panic attack feeling completely helpless at times.

Some people who suffer from panic attacks have several of the following symptoms but not others, and it's not uncommon to experience additional symptoms over time since panic attacks worsen if not treated.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV from the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks will include a period of feeling intense fear or discomfort, during which at least four of the below symptoms also occur.

If a panic attack is to be diagnosed as a medical panic attack, the symptoms have to reach their high point within a period ten minutes. Each of five symptoms must be shown during this period.

The Symptoms Of A Panic Attack

The typical effects of a panic attack include: A pounding heart, accelerated heart rate, Sweating or chills, becoming overheated, gasping for air or being unable to breathe, sensation of choking, chest tightening and discomfort, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, irrational fears of any kind, fear of going insane, fear of dying, and numbness or tingling sensations in the body.

Because panic attack symptoms are truly nightmarish for many, the attacks can really interfere with quality of life. Treatment is vital, and stopping future attacks is also important.

Regardless of how severe panic attacks are, it is possible to get rid of them for good. A smart approach will involve a program using brain psychology such as Panic Away. Methods like the ones contained in that program can help you to understand the origins of attacks and stop them.

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