Panic Attacks

Panic Attacks are symptoms of extreme anxiety. They are discrete episodes that may last a few seconds to minutes that seem like hours to the person experiencing them.

Anxiety can range from mild symptoms of “butterflies” to a full blown panic attack. Anxious persons may feel a sense of constant dread and have physical symptoms of arousal of the autonomic nervous system. As persons approach panic, they may complain of numbness and tingling, feeling hot and sweaty, dizziness, hands trembling, nausea, and faint. In some cases the person may appear to be unable to respond to directions.

The person having a panic attack may at first look as if they are having a heart attack. Often the patient believes he is dying. Rescuers are frequently called for persons who are having a panic attack but are unaware of what is happening to them. This is especially true for patients who are experiencing a panic attack for the first time. Sometimes patients know they are having a panic attack and will tell you. They need help getting it under control.

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