Panic Attacks

What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a discreet period of intense fear or discomfort in which four (or more) symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes. The attacks are unexpected.  

We who suffer from panic attacks have great concern about having having additional attacks, about the implications of the attack or its consequences (e.g., losing control, having a heart attack, going crazy, dying)

Because the physical symptoms of panic attacks are so intense, many people who suffer from the attacks feel that the next step must be death. They often end up in hospital emergency rooms and are usually sent home still wondering what was wrong!

We fear that the attack will last indefinitely, that we will never recover.  In reality, most panic attacks peak within 10 minutes, and then subside. However, we feel so overwhelmed while in the midst of the attack that the few minutes it lasts seems to be forever. After, we ask  this question, "Will it happen again?"  That thought haunts us. It's a horrible experience.

We develop anticipatory anxiety, also known as FEAR of the FEAR. We fear not only the actual panic attack, but also anticipation of it. We think "What if it happens again?"  The slightest physical symptom can set off waves of anticipation and cause FEAR of the FEAR.
        
Here are some fearful thoughts some people have during a panic attack:

• Fainting or collapsing in public

• Losing control of their body

• Becoming confused

• Having a heart attack or other physical illness

• Being trapped

• Causing a scene

• Going crazy

• Being unable to breathe

• Being unable to get home or to another "safe place"

Never forget there can be a recovery.  Effective treatment can eliminate much of the disorder, but it may be susceptible to occasional temporary relapses when you experience stress.