Panic Attacks Can Be Very Frightening
If you’ve every experienced a panic attack, you are not alone. Six million adults in the US have had the frightening experience of a spontaneous, seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attack that brings a host of distressing symptoms.
A panic attack is the abrupt onset of intense fear that reaches a peak within a few minutes, and can bring on the chronic dread of having more panic attacks. This dread can lead you to avoid situations and activities that you fear will trigger an attack.
What does a panic attack feel like?
Panic attacks typically includes at least 4 of the following symptoms:
- a feeling of imminent danger or doom
- the need to escape
- heart palpitations
- sweating and trembling
- shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
- chest pain or discomfort
- nausea or abdominal discomfort
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- a sense of things being unreal, depersonalization
- a fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- a fear of dying
- tingling sensation
- chills or heat flush
You don’t have to suffer from panic attacks.
The Ross Center clinicians successfully treat patients with panic attacks using a combination of cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapy, and, when appropriate, medication. We’ll teach you strategies to challenge your thoughts and alter your behaviors. The frequency of panic attacks will diminish and you’ll no longer avoid situations that have been causing you anxiety.
