Panic Attack Symptoms - Do you know the symptoms and signs of a panic attack?

Panic attacks can strike anywhere, be it your home, the street, shops, schools even parties. They generally come with a warning. 

The signs and symptoms of a panic attack develop abruptly and usually reach their peak within 10 minutes. Most attacks stop in 20 minutes or so, but they are known to last an hour too, but rarely. 

A panic attack will bring along these signs and symptoms before it strikes. 

§ Sweating 

§ Nausea or upset stomach        

§ Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint 

§ Numbness or tingling sensations 

§ Hot or cold flashes 

§ Fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy 

Many people just experience these once or twice in their life and rarely develop complications such as panic disorder. Nevertheless, some people who’ve experienced panic attacks go on to develop panic disorder.  

You may be suffering from panic disorder if you: 

§ Experience recurrent, unforeseen panic attacks that aren’t  attached to a exact situation.

§ Worry a lot about having another panic attack. 

§ Behave differently to avoid these attacks, than you normally do. 

Even a single attack can leave a lasting effect on some people. This can make them develop certain changes in behaviour. These effects are potentially serious.

They are as follows: 

Anticipatory Anxiety: This can be called as the “fear of fear”, and it is known to be unnerving. This keeps the affected person anxious every time instead of being his calm self, because of the fear of another attack. 

Phobic Avoidance: The affected person keeps avoiding certain environments or places which make them uncomfortable. This may make them anti-social or bring out agoraphobia.