Signs And Symptoms Of Panic Attacks
Filed under: Health and Fitness
Panic attacks are very real to those who experience them. To better understand the signs and symptoms of panic attacks, we can look to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV, which is a book used by mental health professionals. Symptoms are different for each person. Don’t be surprised if there are symptoms listed here that don’t match what you have experienced. On the flip side, don’t be surprised if you have had signs and symptoms that aren’t listed here. It may also be that the description of the symptom is a bit different for each person.
In order for an attack to be classified as a panic attack, a person must experience at least four (or more) of the following symptoms. The symptoms listed below are both from the DSM-IV (they are the ones in italics), and from people who have experienced panic attacks first hand. Symptoms may include, but aren’t limited to:
Shortness of breath or smothering sensations. Some people report simply that they have difficulty breathing or that they are unable to take in a full breath.
Abdominal distress or nausea.
Sweating.
Palpitations, pounding heart, or fast heart rate. Some say that it feels as though their heart is fluttering, beating irregularly or actually skipping beats.
Trembling or shaking. There have been those who describe this symptom as jitteriness.
Fear of dying.
Chills or hot flashes.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness or faintness. Many times patients describe that they felt as though they were going to pass out.
Fear of going crazy or losing control. This symptom has also been described as feeling like you are standing on the edge of an abyss and you feel like you’re going to fall in. It is reported by some patients that they feel like even the simplest things don’t make sense to them anymore (when they are in the panic attack).
Choking feelings. It may feel to some like they can’t swallow easily or that they have a lump in their throat that just won’t subside.
Chest pain or discomfort.
Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (a feeling of being detached from oneself).
Numbness or tingling sensations. These are felt mostly in the hands and feet, but some have reported the feeling of pins and needles in their face and lips as well.
The duration of a panic attack varies from person to person. Some experience immediate onset of an attack and it lasts for about 10 minutes or so and then subsides. Others have experienced some level of an attack for hours or days at a time. These longer attacks can have peaks and valleys, and the symptoms can vary in severity and may occur at varied times during the time period.
Be sure to discuss all of your symptoms and concerns with your doctor so they know best how to help you overcome your panic attacks.
For more information on
panic attacks visit About Panic Attacks at
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