Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are very sudden and overwhelming periods or episodes of extremely intense anxiety, racing thoughts, stomach problems, fear, and other physical and psychological symptoms. Panic attacks often come on suddenly, and may or may not have obvious triggers or catalysts. Panic attacks are part of the fight or flight syndrome, but are out of proper context most of the time, and quite frequently appear to be random.
Those who suffer from panic attacks know that they can be one of the most uncomfortable, upsetting, disrupting, and frightening experiences that one may have. According to the American Psychological Association, the effects and symptoms of panic attacks last about 30 minutes, but this varies greatly from individual to individual and situation to situation.
Panic attacks make one feel as though one cannot escape the feared situation or trigger, and unable to free themselves from their feelings and trapped.
Panic attacks when suffered for the first time often create a feeling of having a nervous breakdown or heart attack.
Although panic attacks cause these feelings and are extremely frightening to experience, they are physically harmless.
About 5% of the population will experience panic attacks during their lifetimes. Individuals who experience repeated panic attacks might require evaluation by a medical professional.
For tips and information on what you can do visit stop panic attacks.