What is Panic attack?
It occurs when someone is in a chronic state of anxiety and have brief moments of sudden, intense, and unexpected panic. The duration of an attack varies between individuals, which typically reaches its peak within 10 minutes and subsides within 30 minutes [1].
What are the Symptoms?
Most people experience the following symptoms during an attack:
- Chest Pain
- A racing heart
- Dizziness
- Choking
- Feelings of unreality
- Trembling
- Fear of losing control
- Believe that they are having a heart attack
Are Panic Attacks a form of Mental Disorder?
No, it is not a mental disorder, and neither does experiencing one qualify someone to be diagnosed with panic disorder. In fact, more than one in five people experience one or more panic attacks in their lifetime [2], but few go on to develop a panic disorder or agoraphobia.
References:
[1] Psycom. (2021, July 21). Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. https://www.psycom.net/panic-attacks-panic-disorder-symptoms
[2] Mental Health First Aid USA. (2018, December 4). How to Help Someone Who is Having a Panic Attack. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2018/12/how-to-help-someone-who-is-having-a-panic-attack/
