Panic attacks are abrupt phases of fear and severe anxiety that begin for no apparent reason. For those who suffer them, they can be extremely troublesome. Symptoms of an attack might include:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain (tightening in the chest)
Heart palpitations
Hot flashes, cold flashes, or burning sensations (more often in the face or neck)
Nausea
Vertigo
Hyperventilation
Feeling of apprehension
Because the symptoms of a panic attack can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, the sufferer might react with alarm, which in turn could result in increased anxiety. Many sufferers seek medical treatment while experiencing a panic attack.
It is a common misconception that panic attacks are associated with mental disorder; when, in truth, most people will experience at least one panic attack during their lifetime. Because of their sudden nature, panic attacks are highly distinguishable from other forms of anxiety and can be brought on by any number of causes, including:
Prescription drug interactions and side effects
Chronic or serious illness
Situational and environmental stress
Drug and alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Heredity
Managing Panic Attacks
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