Symptoms Of A Panic Attack

The symptoms of a panic attack, including their duration, can vary from one person to the next, but over the course of time, the medical community has laid out some rather specific criteria which define the illness.

According to the American Psychiatrist Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM IV, a panic attack is defined as a period of intense fear, unease or discomfort involving symptoms that present suddenly and usually reach their peak after 10 minutes. To qualify as a disorder, the symptoms of a panic attack must include at least 4 of these symptoms as outlined in the DSM IV:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Uncontrolled shaking or trembling
• Unusual sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Intense fear of losing control
• Unwarranted feeling of dying
• Feelings of detachment or unreality
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Chills
• Numbness or Tingling

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Of course, not all of these symptoms of a panic attack will happen, and some will probably not be felt at all, but normally an panic sufferer will feel at least four or more from this list.

Panic Attack Symptoms: men vs.. women

It is also important to note that panic attacks symptoms seem to present themselves differently depending on gender. Research shows that women are about three times more likely to experience the symptoms of a panic attack than men, and the symptoms appear to differ in nature as well. For instance, women will usually experience a higher rate of respiratory symptoms during an attack than men—symptoms which include shortness of breath, palpitations and chest pain. But regardless of the difference in the symptoms between men and women, panic attacks are equally dreaded by both genders.

Most people who suffer from this disorder report panic attacks which reach their peak at about 10 minutes and last no longer than 30 minutes, but for others with a severe disorder, the symptoms of a panic attack can last for many hours or even days. Characterized by fear, dread, instability and a host of physical symptoms, panic attacks create a world for people in which normal functioning seems impossible.

Myths about panic attack symptoms

One of the myths about panic attacks is that the symptoms arise entirely as a cause and effect reaction to stressful situations. This is not necessarily accurate. Most panic attacks strike suddenly and without warning, with most people reporting no stressful event as their cause. One minute they were driving to work or doing the family grocery shopping and the next they were enduring an irrational and intense fear that crippled every aspect of their lives. This abrupt onset is exactly what makes panic attacks so frightening. Once a panic attack is experienced, the very thought of having another one creates a terrifying cycle of fear and dread.

The symptoms of a panic attack are not only difficult to manage, they are downright destabilizing. Either during a panic attack or while dreading the inevitable onset of an occurrence, many people find it difficult to live a normal life and manage their responsibilities. Ultimately, some will begin to alter their schedules and perhaps even shelter themselves out of fear of what others might think.

This is a mistake—a mistake which can only perpetuate the illness. Panic disorder is treatable and most doctors agree that a technique involving isolation and avoidance is the worst possible course of action. Continued panic attacks are a sign of a serious medical condition and should be discussed with a professional who is trained in helping people cope with the scary and debilitating symptoms.

If you experience these symptoms, or have an anxiety or panic disorder, you should seriously consider taking a look at Joe Barry's panic and anxiety course. He has helped countless individual regain their life again and live a life free of panic and anxiety.