About panic attacks
Panic attacks are common. Many people experience a panic attack once or twice in their lifetime, consciously or unconsciously. The problem usually disappears when a stressful period has ended.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a short period of extreme anxiety that starts suddenly and is accompanied by physical symptoms, even when there is no real danger or obvious cause. Panic attacks last only a short time, but they are very intense and exhausting. In the end, a panic attack always goes away.
Most people recover from panic attacks without treatment, but some develop panic disorder. In the case of panic disorder, you have recurrent, unpredictable panic attacks, you are anxious about the next panic attack, and you change your behavior to prevent one from happening.
The frequency of panic attacks can vary widely. Some people have weekly or even daily attacks over a longer period of time. Others may have several attacks in one day and then not experience another attack for weeks or months.
Panic attacks are often associated with the anxiety disorder agoraphobia. Agoraphobia in panic attacks refers to the fear of certain places where a panic attack may occur, such as crowded squares, public transport, elevators or standing in line. This fear can lead you to avoid certain places and situations. The fear and avoidance are often based on the idea that escape may be difficult or help may not be available when panic symptoms occur.
Symptoms of a panic attack
During a panic attack, you suddenly experience extreme fear combined with severe physical reactions. You may feel dizzy, have palpitations, sweat or notice that your breathing becomes irregular. You may not understand what is happening to you. It can feel as if you are losing control of your body and mind, as if you are going to faint, or as if you are having a heart attack.
Common physical and mental signs of a panic attack include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or faintness
- Fear of dying
- Fear of losing control
- Hot flashes or chills
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
Because a panic attack can cause severe physical symptoms, you may think that you have a serious health problem. For example, a panic attack can feel like a heart attack. In general, the fear and the intensity of the symptoms are out of proportion to the actual danger of the situation.
Cause of panic attacks
The development of panic disorder is often not entirely clear. Usually, it is the result of a combination of risk factors. Hereditary or environmental factors may increase the risk.
Women are more likely to develop panic disorder than men. If depression or panic disorder runs in your family, you may also be more vulnerable to developing panic disorder.
Negative or traumatic childhood experiences can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder later in life. Examples include neglect, the death of a parent or alcohol abuse within the family.
Long-term stress in adulthood, such as divorce, job loss or the death of a family member, can also contribute to the development of panic disorder.
Consequences of panic attacks
If you have panic disorder, it can have major consequences for your daily life. You may no longer be able to do your job properly or may even lose your job. Social contact can become difficult and relationship or family problems may arise.
Because panic attacks are so frightening, people often start avoiding the places and situations where they previously experienced anxiety. That tendency is understandable. However, the more you avoid, the stronger the anxiety can become and the more your daily life may be affected. This can lead to isolation and loneliness.
Treatment of panic attacks
Do not assume too quickly that panic disorder will go away on its own. It is important to seek help in time if you suffer from panic attacks. The longer you wait, the more difficult treatment may become and the longer recovery can take.
During treatment, we analyse why you suffer from panic attacks and we teach you how to recognize the physical reactions linked to your fear. The goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate your panic attacks and avoidance behavior, so that you can enjoy life again.
Please read our panic attacks treatment page if you would like to know how we can help you with your feelings of anxiety.
Contact Psychologen Amsterdam
Do you recognize your symptoms and do you need help, or do you have a question about the treatment of your panic attacks? Call for an appointment or send a message to Psychologen Amsterdam.
