Answering The Question: What Is A Panic Attack?

Every year many people find themselves wondering what is a panic attack and whether the symptoms they have experienced can be classified as a panic attack. In the broadest sense, a panic attack involves a feeling of extreme anxiety, fear or emotion from which there is no obvious cause. Feelings of anxiety or fear that are disproportionate to the actual danger or threat according to the particular situation is another way of explaining a panic attack. One of the most frustrating aspects of a panic attack is the fact that while the emotions associated with it can be extremely frightening, the person may be well aware that there is no obvious reason for the symptoms they are experiencing. nnSymptoms of a panic attack can vary from one person to another. Typically; however, the symptoms of a panic attack may be quite similar to the feelings that an individual would experience if they were truly in involved in a very threatening or dangerous situation. Some of the most common anxiety and panic attack symptoms include sweating, shaking, heart palpitations and dizziness. nnIn some cases, a panic attack may begin quite suddenly with no advance warning. The panic attack may appear to stem from 0ccurence that is actually an everyday event. For example, an individual might be driving to work or shopping in a supermarket when they begin to experience a panic attack. nnThe symptoms of a panic attack can be quite terrifying. When you experience a panic attack, your body begins to take on a natural mechanism known as the fight or flight response. This natural response is designed to protect you and assist you when you are faced with real danger. As a result of this response, your body will begin to release large amounts of adrenalin, your digestive system begins to slow down and your breathing becomes rapid and shallow. As a result of the symptoms commonly associated with a panic attack many people may question whether they are having a heart attack because the feeling that they are going to die is so pervasive and strong. This is why it is extremely important to answer the question “what is a panic attack” and understand the symptoms of a panic attack. nnIn some cases a panic attack is mistakenly associated with an anxiety attack. While the symptoms of the two can be quite similar, they are actually different because a panic attack often appears far more out of the blue. A panic attack can occur quite regularly or an individual may experience a panic attack only occasionally. This can be one of the most frustrating parts of having panic attacks, as you never know when you may have one. nnWhile the symptoms of a panic attack can certainly be quite strong, they will eventually begin to subside. When studying ”what is a panic attack” it is important to understand that there are techniques which you can use to actually stop panic attacks in their tracks and reduce the severity of your symptoms. n