Panic Attack

Although the exact cause of a panic attack is relatively unknown, there are plenty of circumstances that are known to cause this sudden spell of extreme fear or anxiety. A panic attack is accompanied by an assortment of alarming symptoms that sometimes mimics the feeling of dying or having a heart attack. Lasting from around 5 to 20 minutes, this often-unexpected occurrence is quite an unwelcome surprise. To those witnessing a panic attack, it is an equally disturbing scene to sort out.

Causes and Symptoms

Panic attacks can be caused or triggered by a wide-range of factors and events. While many believe it is an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain), the following may also contribute: family history; stressful ways of thinking; unanswered psychological distress; too much nicotine or caffeine; overactive thyroid; excessive alcohol consumption or illegal drug use; and various medications, such as asthma or heart drugs.

When a panic attack strikes, an individual may experience an intense pounding of the heart, shortness of breath, as well as the feeling of losing the ability to manage and properly function. Often, these symptoms are the body’s way of responding to fear or overwhelming situations, which acts as a coping mechanism. During a panic attack, it is the nervous system that brings about the illusion that you are in a life-threatening position, even though you may face no harm.

Additional panic attack symptoms includes hyperventilation, tightness in the chest, dizzy spells, profuse sweating, as well as shaking. Individuals may also face intense fear, terror, or anxiety.