Signs and Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Panic attack symptoms can produce various physical and emotional experiences. Physical signs often include a pounding heartbeat, sweating, trembling, trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, or stomach pain. These symptoms can be so intense that you may fear you’re having a heart attack or losing control, which can be very distressing.
Emotionally, panic attacks are characterized by overwhelming feelings of fear, anxiety, or a sense of impending disaster. You may also feel disconnected from what is happening around you or worried you’re going to die. Since these attacks can occur quickly and without warning, they can be particularly frightening and difficult to cope with.
Below is a brief list of additional panic attack symptoms and signs:
- Chills or hot flashes
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Urgent need to escape the situation or environment
- Avoidance of triggers or situations associated with prior attacks
- Muscle tension or aches
- Difficulty swallowing or a lump-in-throat sensation
- Distorted perception of time
- Hyperventilation leading to carbon dioxide imbalance
- Freezing or feeling paralyzed
Are you or someone you love experiencing any of these signs? Contact The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center for a free assessment today.