What Are The Symptoms That Indicate a Panic Attack?

By Greg Anderson

Panic attack symptoms might be different for every person, but most of the time there is more than just the feelings of panic. A person who suffers a panic attack usually feels frightened, out of control, and like they are a prisoner of this serious medical problem.

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.

Other Panic Attack Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that define a panic attack are: Heart Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate, Sweating, chills, or hot flashes, feeling of smothering or being unable to breathe, sensation of choking, chest pain or discomfort, feelings of nausea, abdominal distress, feelings of faintness, dizziness, or being lightheaded, fear of losing control, fear of going insane, fear of dying, and numbness or tingling 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. - 29881

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