A panic attack is a quick episode where one expresses too much fear, triggered by extreme physical reactions. It happens without any apparent cause or real danger and can be terrifying. People who experience panic attacks for the first time may think that they're losing control. Some may even believe that they're experiencing a heart attack or about to die.
Many people experience panic attacks during stressful situations. The episodes present without warning but last for a short time. However, some people have incidents that happen in a row, making the attack last much longer.
If you've had sudden, recurrent panic attacks and spent most of your days in constant fear of a repetitive attack, you're likely to have a condition known as panic disorder. This is a form of anxiety disorder characterised by multiple unpredicted panic attacks. It happens with no warning and without a specific trigger. However, not everyone who encounters a panic attack will develop panic disorder.
What are the symptoms of a panic attack?
Panic attacks strike at any time without warning. They can occur when at work, when driving a car, while at the shopping centre, or even when deep asleep. The attacks may happen occasionally or frequently. The symptoms can vary, starting suddenly and peaking within minutes.
The notable symptoms of a panic attack may include any of the following:
- Sense of impending doom or danger
- Fear of death
- Rapid heart rate
- Hot flushes
- Sweating
- Chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Chest pain or tightness
- Lack of control
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Tingling sensation or numbness at the fingers or toes
- The feeling of detachment from reality
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
After experiencing a panic attack, most people tend to have extreme fear of repeated attacks. Some may even fear having other panic attacks so much that they can avoid situations that may trigger the episodes. However, those who encounter recurrent attacks of stress, anxiety, and panic could have a panic disorder.
What causes panic attacks?
There are no specific panic attack causes. However, some factors are key players. They include:
- Extreme fear or prolonged stress
- Genetics
- Changes in the way some parts of the brain functions
- Having a personality that is more sensitive to negative emotions
Furthermore, a panic attack may initially come unexpectedly and without warning. But, over time, it can get triggered by particular situations, like fear of recurrent attacks. Research is still underway as to why panic attacks happen even when there's no apparent danger. However, it's evident that your risk of developing a panic disorder is higher if you have:
- Mental health conditions like depression and other anxiety disorders
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- A history of panic attacks or anxiety disorders in the family
Postpartum depression treatment
Postpartum depression usually happens after a mother delivers a baby. With such episodes, you may feel hopeless, anxious, sad, or even disconnected from your little one for weeks or months.
The treatment for postpartum depression varies depending on an individual’s symptoms and severity. Your nurse, medical practitioner, or specialist can help you manage the condition. Treatment may include any or a combination of the following:
- Counselling sessions with a mental health counsellor
- Drugs (antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that are safe to use while breastfeeding)
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Support group participation
Postpartum depression can also lead to an anxiety disorder and even panic attacks.
Note: Anytime you feel like you're encountering symptoms of postpartum depression, ensure you talk to your doctor or nurse. They will help you find the right treatment and other necessary support channels. It's also important for pregnant women to stay armed with health insurance. The cover will help cater financially for any issue that may arise pre- and post-delivery.
Conclusion
Panic attacks usually happen suddenly and for no clear reason. It varies from one person to another and can be mild, moderate, or severe. The attacks often include feelings of fear or worry, and the more you fear repetitive episodes, the higher the chances for other attacks. If you experience recurrent attacks, you may need to seek panic disorder treatment. Often, the condition may affect your quality of life significantly. However, treatment can be effective. Your treatment will depend on the symptoms and severity of your particular condition.
Panic attack treatment aims to reduce the number of episodes you experience and ease your symptoms. Hence, it would help if you didn't neglect visiting your healthcare provider. You may have to undergo tests to rule out other medical conditions that may present similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, respiratory issues, or heart disease. Hence, it's important to have reliable health insurance that can cater to the necessary costs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.