Panic Attack Symptoms

Panic Disorder, one of the six types of anxiety disorders, is characterised by chronic unexpected attacks of fear and panic. Panic attacks are different from general anxiety in that they include strong physical symptoms. Some of the most common panic attack symptoms include:

• shortness of breath
• pounding heart or fear of having a heart attack
• dizziness or disorientation
• electric shock or tingling sensations
• fear of losing control
• feeling that you may choke on something
• upset stomach or nausea

About five percent of the population will experience at least one panic attack in their lives, and about one third of these people are at risk of developing Panic Disorder. Doctors will not diagnose a person with panic disorder until all possible physical conditions are ruled out.

Panic disorder is easily treatable by mental health professionals using cognative behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. Generally, these methods have shown a high success rate, and there are also good quality panic attack self-help programs available that we recommend.