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Apanic attackis a sudden wave of overwhelming anxiety and fear that triggers a host of severe psychosomatic responses. From a clinical perspective, panic attacks typically refer to an experience of intense fear or discomfort where four or more of the followingsymptomsare felt:
Panic attacks are actually quite common. In fact, as many as 12 percent of people may experience a panic attack at some point in their lifetime.
Panic attacks typically affect more women than men and often start in the late teens or early adulthood.
Cued and Uncued Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can be cued or uncued. Cued panic attacks are those that occur following exposure to some kind of triggers such as a very frightening experience or thought. For example, someone who is scared of public speaking may have a panic attack when placed in front of an audience.
An uncued panic attack (or a spontaneous or unexpected panic attack) is one that occurs “out of the blue” and is the defining feature of panic disorders.
Can You Die From a Panic Attack?
Risk Factors for Panic Attack
Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks include:
Treating Panic Attacks
The main treatment options are psychotherapy and medications. Which route to take depends in part on your preference, your history, the severity of your panic attacks and whether you have access to therapists trained in treating panic attacks.
Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy and is often the first choice of treatment for panic attacks. It can help you learn more about panic attacks and learn how to cope with them.
Panic Disorder Treatment
A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn that panic symptoms are not dangerous. Medications can also help reduce symptoms associated with panic attacks. Several types of medication have been shown to be effective in managing symptoms including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines. It can take several weeks after first starting a medication for your symptoms to improve.
How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack
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