Panic attacks can be unpredictable, especially if you don’t know what’s triggering them. They can be expected, such as when you’re in a small space or on an airplane that makes you feel anxious, or they can be unexpected. They can happen while you’re watching a movie, sleeping, or laughing with friends. They can be caused by certain medical conditions or as a side effect of some medications. Some people have one panic attack and never have another, while others experience them regularly, or even daily.
During a panic attack, your body’s natural fight-or-flight response takes over, which can cause you to experience physical symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack or other health problems. You may be short of breath, have chest pain or a feeling that your heart is racing, and you might feel dizzy or light-headed. You can also have a pins-and-needles sensation, sweating, or a feeling that your body is freezing up. These are all normal responses to fear and stress, and while they’re scary, they’re not a sign of any physical or life-threatening problem.
The most common symptoms of a panic attack are a fear of dying, feelings that your body is not working properly, and an intense feeling that you’re losing control or that something catastrophic is happening to you. Because these feelings resemble the symptoms of other health problems, they can be very frightening, and you might worry that you’re having a heart attack or other serious problem.
When you’re having a panic attack, your heart rate and breathing increase, you become more tense, and your muscles tense up. It’s possible you may begin to sweat or tremble, and your mouth can go dry and taste metallic. Your sense of smell, hearing, touch, and sight can also change during a panic attack. You might not be able to speak clearly or think as well as you normally do. You might feel as though you’re disconnected from your body or that everything is blurry and unreal, a phenomenon called dissociation.
People who have frequent panic attacks, or panic disorder, may develop an intense fear of having another one. This can make them avoid situations where they’re at risk and affect their quality of life. It’s important to seek help if you have this fear, because it can interfere with your life and keep you from living happily.
There are different ways to treat panic attacks, and your health care team can recommend the best option for you. You might need psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, or both. If you take medication, it’s important to stick with your treatment plan to prevent relapses and avoid the possibility of side effects. Your health care team might suggest different medications if one isn’t effective. They might also switch your medication to a different type or dosage. If you don’t want to take medicine, there are other ways to reduce anxiety and manage your symptoms, such as exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques.
