A panic attack is a sudden onset of an inconspicuous, brief period of marked discomfort or fear, accompanied by somatic or cognitive symptoms. Panic disorder is the occurrence of recurrent panic attacks, typically accompanied by fear of future attacks or behavioral changes that can avoid situations that create susceptibility to attacks. The diagnosis is made clinically. Isolated panic attacks do not have to be treated. Panic disorder is treated with pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy (eg exposure, cognitive-behavioral treatment) or both.
Panic attacks are frequent and affect as many as 10% of the population in one year. Most people recover without treatment; some get panic disorder. Panic disorder is rare, affecting 2-3% of the population over a 12-month period. It usually begins in late adolescence or young adulthood and affects women 2 to 3 times more often than men.
A panic attack involves the sudden onset of at least 4 of the 13 symptoms listed in TBL. 196– 2. Symptoms usually peak in 10 minutes and disappear a few minutes later, leaving very little to see. Although unpleasant — and sometimes severe — panic attacks are not dangerous to health.
SYMPTOMS OF A PANIC ATTACK
Cognitive
Fear of death
Fear of madness or loss of control
Feelings of unreality, strangeness or alienation from the environment
Somatic
Chest pain or pressure
Dizziness, unstable feelings or fainting
Feeling of suffocation
Waves of heat or cold
Nausea or abdominal discomfort
Feeling numb or tingling
Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
Feeling short of breath or choking
Sweating
Shivering or shivering
Oh dear. People having panic disorder or their cousin should read this post. Such an Informative post. Thanks dear for spreading awareness.