What are Anxiety and Panic attacks?
fear
Anxiety attacks are sudden surges of overwhelming fear that that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is far more intense than having anxiety or the feeling of being ‘stressed out’ that most people experience. One out of every 75 people worldwide will experience a panic attack at one time in their lives.
In any given year, about 1/3 of American adults have at least one panic
attack; most of these adults never develop repeated panic attacks. This
startling data means that anxiety attacks and panic disorder are the most common emotional disorders and are more common than bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD, phobias, alcohol abuse or depression. Anxiety and panic disorder also has the lowest rates – about 21% – for seeking help and finding it. Panic Attacks Overview
Panic attacks are frightening but fortunately physically harmless episodes. They can occur at random or after a person is exposed to various events that may “trigger” a panic attack. They peak in intensity very rapidly and go away with or without medical help.
* People experiencing panic attacks may fear they are dying, that they are suffocating, or that they are having a heart attack. They may voice fears that they are “going crazy” and seek to remove themselves from whatever situation they may be in.
* Some people may begin breathing very rapidly and complain that their “hearts are jumping around in their chest.” Then, within about an hour, the symptoms fade away.
* About 5% of the population will experience panic attacks during their lifetimes. People who have repeated attacks require further evaluation from a mental health professional. Panic attacks can indicate the presence of panic disorder, depression, or other forms of anxiety-based illnesses.
Sadly these numbers are on the rise every day.
We, at The Anxiety Panic Attack Resource Site, invite you to take your time and read the comprehensive information we have gathered over the years so you can make an informed decision as to the best course of treatment that would best fit you.
The mission of AnxietyPanic.com is to educate patients, families, caregivers and the community about anxiety and panic disorders in order to relieve suffering, instill hope, and improve lives.
Psychology
Is there help for anxiety attacks?
This site began in 1996 with an idea and a dream. The dream was that no one would have to face the fear of anxiety and loneliness that the “panic monster” can cause all alone. The dream became a reality and we now offer to you the most comprehensive information available on the Internet.
Get help with Online Anxiety Disorders Questionnaires
You are out living your day to the fullest… walking in the sunshine, reading a great novel, cooking a special dinner and you are stricken by an irrational and intense terror…. Nothing in the outside world has changed, but your heart is racing, your mind is filled with anxiety, you start to tremble, you’re having trouble breathing, and you feel a threat of impending doom.
Understanding panic attacks
Why do I have panic attacks?
Symptoms of Panic attacksThe symptoms of a
panic attack
Stress
* raging heartbeat
* difficulty breathing, feeling as though you ‘can’t get enough air
* terror that is almost paralyzing
* nervous, shaking, stress
* heart palpitation, feeling of dread
* dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
* trembling, sweating, shaking
* choking, chest pains, distress
* fear, fright, afraid, anxious
* hot flashes, or sudden chills
* tingling in fingers or toes (‘pins and needles’)
* fearful that you’re going to go crazy or are about to die