Panic Attacks: Symptoms, What Helps and When to Get Help

A panic attack can feel terrifying, as if something terrible is about to happen. According to the NHS, panic attacks are frightening but not physically dangerous. Still, many of the symptoms can have other causes, so it is sensible to see a doctor. This article uses information from the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

What is a panic attack?

The NHS describes anxiety as unease that can range from mild to severe, and panic as its most severe form. A panic attack is a sudden rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. Panic disorder is when you regularly have these sudden attacks, often with no clear trigger.

Common symptoms

The NHS lists symptoms that include:

• a racing heartbeat
• feeling faint or dizzy
• sweating, trembling and shaky limbs
• nausea or a churning stomach
• chest pain and shortness of breath
• a choking feeling
• hot flushes or chills
• numbness, pins and needles or tingling fingers
• a dry mouth
• fear of dying, or feeling detached from your body

How long do attacks last?

Most last between 5 and 20 minutes, and some can last up to an hour, according to the NHS. How often they happen varies from once or twice a month to several times a week.

Panic or something else?

The NHS stresses that many of these symptoms can have other causes, so they do not always mean a panic attack. Chest pain, breathing difficulty and fainting can also be signs of other conditions that need urgent care. If you are unsure, or if you have chest pain that is severe or does not ease, get medical help straight away rather than assuming it is panic.

What can help during an attack

The NHS suggests:

1. Stay where you are if you can.
2. Breathe slowly and deeply.
3. Remind yourself that the attack will pass and that it is not life-threatening.
4. Focus on calm, relaxing images.

Why attacks may continue

The NHS explains that avoiding situations you fear will set off an attack can create a cycle of fearing the fear itself, which can make attacks more likely. Untreated panic disorder can worsen and become very hard to manage, and it carries a higher risk of agoraphobia, other phobias and alcohol or drug problems.

Causes

The exact cause is not fully understood. The NHS says it is thought to involve a mix of factors, such as a traumatic or very stressful life event like bereavement, having a close family member with panic disorder, and an imbalance of brain chemical messengers.

Habits that may reduce attacks

The NHS suggests reading a self-help book based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), trying relaxation activities such as yoga, practising breathing exercises, exercising regularly, limiting sugary foods and drinks, caffeine and alcohol, and stopping smoking.

Treatment

The NHS says the main options are talking therapy, including CBT, and medicines, chosen according to the person's symptoms. A doctor decides which medicines, if any, are suitable. Talking therapy teaches ways to stay calm and understand your reactions during attacks.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have symptoms of panic attacks. The doctor will ask how often they happen and how long you have had them, and may do a physical examination to rule out other causes. A child with symptoms should also see a doctor, who may refer them to a specialist.

Seek emergency help if you have severe chest pain, trouble breathing that does not settle, fainting, or if you feel you may harm yourself.

Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without talking to your doctor.

In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in India, 911 in the United States).