What are panic attacks?

Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of overwhelming fear or anxiety that can occur unexpectedly and without apparent cause. During a panic attack, individuals may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms, which can include:
Rapid Heartbeat: Feeling like your heart is pounding or racing.Sweating: Experiencing sudden and excessive sweating, often accompanied by chills or hot flashes.
Shortness of Breath: Having difficulty breathing or feeling like you’re choking.
Chest Pain or Discomfort: Feeling chest tightness or pain, which may mimic symptoms of a heart attack.
Trembling or Shaking: Experiencing uncontrollable shaking or trembling of the body.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy, faint, or lightheaded, sometimes leading to a fear of losing control or passing out.
Nausea or Upset Stomach: Feeling nauseous or having stomach discomfort.
Tingling Sensations: Experiencing tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or other parts of the body.Feeling Detached or Unreal:
Feeling disconnected from reality or experiencing a sense of unreality (derealization) or detachment from oneself (depersonalization).
Fear of Losing Control or Going Crazy: Having intense fears of losing control, going crazy, or dying.Panic attacks typically peak within a few minutes and can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.
While panic attacks themselves are not life-threatening, they can be extremely distressing and disruptive to daily life. Some individuals may develop a fear of having future panic attacks, leading to avoidance behaviors and impacting their quality of life. It’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional if you experience recurrent panic attacks or if they interfere with your ability to function normally. Treatment options, such as therapy and medication, can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.