Do you have Panic Attack disorder?
453136
YES...I have full blown panic disorder.  It is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain chemistry.  My doctor gave me birth control for it because most of my panic attacks are from my raging hormones.  It does happen to me.  I am a hypocondriac, I have a little O.C.D, and I have Panic Dissorder. And yes, I was diagnosed with them. Trust me...the best thing to do about it is to learn how to tell yourself that the things that are going on in your head are NOT true.  Your not going to die, your heart is NOT in your throat, and you are NOT crazy.  I have to tell myself that every single day.  I have them in the morning and at night.  I feel like im dreaming durring the day too. I have not felt normal since I was about 13 and I am now 18.  Please do whatever you can to contact a doctor and get it under control before it gets worse. Best of luck you you...seriously
131611
It really depends on the person and why they are having them. I have a panic disorder and Post traumatic stress disorder so it is a serious medical condition for me. I need xanax to get through the day sometimes to keep me from having a panic attack like crazy. For that person they feel like they are going crazy and they are in constant pain. It makes me not be able to breathe and my heart races. I usually have to lie down and am afraid of everything. It is very serious for some. But some people have a better control over it.
759019
When I have an anxiety attack, I feel like my heart is going to pulse right out of my chest, I feel like I can't get enough air, I start to sweat, I can't focus on anything (like total meltdown), and I feel like I'm being closed in.  I feel like I'm going to puke, and I feel like my stomach is on fire.  That's what I feel.\n\nThe clinical definition of a panic attack is:\n\nA panic attack is a severe attack of anxiety and fear which occurs suddenly, often without warning, and for no apparent reason. Various other symptoms then occur during a panic attack. These include one or more of the following:\n\nPalpitations or a thumping heart. \nSweating and trembling. \nHot flushes or chills. \nFeeling short of breath, sometimes with choking sensations. \nChest pains. \nFeeling sick. \nFeeling dizzy, or faint. \nFear of dying or going crazy. \nNumbness, or pins and needles. \nFeelings of unreality, or being detached from yourself.\nThe physical symptoms that occur with panic attacks do not mean there is a physical problem with the heart, chest, etc. The symptoms mainly occur because of an 'overdrive' of nervous impulses from the brain to various parts of the body during a panic attack.\n\nDuring a panic attack you tend to over-breathe (hyperventilate). If you over-breathe you 'blow out' too much carbon dioxide which changes the acidity in the blood. This can then cause more symptoms such as confusion and cramps, and make palpitations, dizziness, and pins and needles worse. This can make the attack seem even more frightening, and make you over-breathe even more, and so on.\n\nA panic attack usually lasts 5-10 minutes, but sometimes they come in 'waves' for up to two hours.\n\nWho gets panic attacks? \nAt least 1 in 10 people have occasional panic attacks. The tend to occur most in young adults. Twice as many women than men have panic attacks. Anyone can have a panic attack, but they also tend to run in some families.\n\nWhat causes panic attacks? \nPanic attacks usually occur for no apparent reason. The cause is not clear. Stressful life events such as a bereavement may sometimes trigger a panic attack.\n\nDealing with a panic attack\n\nTo ease a panic attack, or to prevent one from getting worse:\n\nbreathe as slowly and as deeply as you can. Concentrate on breathing. \nbreathe into a paper bag. By doing this you re-breathe your own carbon dioxide. This helps to correct the blood acid level that had been upset by over-breathing which makes symptoms worse (described above).\nWhat is the treatment for a panic attack?\n\nNo regular treatment is needed if you have just an occasional panic attack. You may find it helpful to:\n\nunderstand about panic attacks, and the cause of the symptoms. \nknow that any physical symptoms which occur do not mean that you have a serious disease. For example, some people find it helpful to know that the palpitations or chest pains they had during a panic attack were not due to a heart or chest problem. \nknow how to deal with a panic attack (see above).\nIf you have frequent or recurring panic attacks, this is called panic disorder. Treatment to prevent panic attacks is an option if you develop panic disorder. See a separate leaflet called 'Panic Disorder'.
547602
Heart attack symptoms? hmm...rather vague here. but it could also be that the stresses in your life are making feel anxious? Anxiety and/or panic attacks frequently present as somewhat similar to having a heart attack. In fact, up to 30% of patients who complained of having heart attack symptoms actually suffer from anxiety disorders instead.\n\nTo have peace of mind, do consult your local doctor. He/she will be best positioned to advise you :)
786460
Hi, I am sorry and know how you feel! I have suffered panic attacks for 12 years! There should be a number that's listed if you go onto the Internet and type panic helpline for your area you will get it, if you are diagnosed then you should discuss what you can take for them, I have xanax which I take if I feel one coming on and it makes me feel much more at ease just knowing I have them, I have fought extremely hard to work with one when I get it, and it's not easy but I keep trying, if you have one can you call a friend do you live with someone?? is there someone close you have told that you could call when an attack happens? Lie down take in deep breaths put on a fan it helps me as I get very hot when I have one. I wish I could help more! please do get something from the doctor it's a great comfort. Take care
444788
Find a good therapist that you are comfortable with and examine your life. A lot of people take the medication for a lot of mental health problems but they don't examine if this problem has a root in their every day life and routine. As in physical conditions some are inherited and some are brought on by bad eating habits.  The underlying cause for panic attacks is almost always due to a past stress or emotionally frightening experience. \n\nWhen you are having an attack notice the situation you are in and write down everything that was happening. If you notice similarities in the cause that is your first clue.\n\nIf your panic attacks resemble a heart attack in symptoms, the first thing to do is breathe into a bag and tell yourself that you are too young to have a heart condition (well if you do have one ignore this last bit !).\n\nOnce you tell yourself that the hyperventilating is simply your reaction to stress and not you dying, you are teaching yourself that stress is not dying. This was my experience, especially when I moved out on my own. It was really stressful and after a few panic attacks I was able to educate myself that this was a normal reaction to stress, accelerated heartbeat, shortness of breath and the fact that I was too young and too healthy to have a heart condition. \n\nI can say that I was in a state of emotional death because of a violent past and these attacks would manifest my fear of death and those emotions of being abandonned that I had suppressed to survive and I felt anxiety when I felt alone. Once I realised I was afraid of being alone because in my past my parents often threatened to leave us then I got over my anxiety.
821718
I have an anxiety disorder, but its an everyday occurence rather than on just the monthly gift. Yes that is panic attack sympton, but there are many others as well. Such as heart pounding, dizzyness, cold sweat, the feeling like you going to pass out, buzzing in the head, etc.\n\nSo when you get these feeling an you begin to worry about when it going to happen next and then that can lead to an anxiety disorder. But my question is; where is this anxiety coming from?, is there a specific worry or thought that the attack is centered around. If it becomes to much to handle, or worse go talk to a doctor and see what happening. I wish I can help you more but that odd that it only happens when you get the ole mighty gift. I wish you luck hun.
334720
Panic attacks occur as we become anxious and our adrenaline levels increase.  These adrenaline rushes were inbuilt into our subconscious minds in the days when man was still living in ancient times, and came in useful when danger was around for example, a wild beast threatening his survival.  This survival instinct meant that man had the option of fighting or fleeing from the danger and this is where adrenaline was needed to deal with it.  Panic attacks are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response.  The trouble is that in todays society, we have little need for releasing adrenaline in this way, so tension and anxiety build up within the body and mind and are shown in symptoms of stress such as panic attacks.  The good news is that many people overcome these uncomfortable and often debilitating symptoms associated with panic attacks via the use of various therapies.  Very helpful therapies include learning the art of relaxation and i would highly recommend seeing a qualified hypnotherapist or a behavioural counsellor who specialises in this area.  I always say that knowlege is power and would suggest reading a self-help book - Self-Help for your Nerves by Claire Weekes is enlightening and can be found in most local libraries.
122364
I suffer from panic attacks and I can tell you first hand that it feels kind of like a heart attack.  You lose your breath and start to hyperventalite then your heart starts to pound like it's going to jump right out of your chest and sometimes if it's worse enough you will loose all control of your hands. (They just curl up and you can't move them it's from the loss of oxegen in your body from hyperventaling). Panic attacks are very painfull for the people that suffer from them.  And there can be many reasons behind a panic attack such as stress,a death in the family that you was close to,etc; But there is treatment for it I am taking alprazolam which is the other form of zanex and I have not had any since.  I hope that this answered your question.  good luck!!
390524
there are lot's of ways to handle panic attacks. First is to remember that you are not "crazy" or "making it up in your head". They are a result of stress and sometimes stem from a traumatic event. I think that it's always good to see someone you can talk with like a counselor. Also deep breathing can be really helpful, 10 deep breaths slowly. There is a Bach's flower essence called Rescue Remedy, it's found in most natural food stores. A few drops under the tongue can be helpful. Just remember to stay in your body and ask for help. Good luck and good work being brave enough to ask for help!
943597
Probably some anxiety and maybe some obsessive complusive disorder (OCD). Here's some info on anxiety disorders and OCD. \n\nAnxiety disorders are the most prevalent group of psychiatric disorders in the United States. Approximately 27 million Americans--nearly 15 percent of the population--will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.\n\nAnxiety disorders are most often characterized as having an element of fearfulness involved. According to Dr. Steve Dager, University of Washington associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Harborview Medical Center, these disorders come about as a kind of impairment or over-reactivity of the normal "flight or fight" response.\n\nAlthough these disorders are amenable to treatment, the majority of sufferers don't receive appropriate care. Most often, people with anxiety disorders will seek relief from the physical symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, respiratory distress or nausea, and may not be aware or may not want to admit that there are emotional causes for the symptoms.\n\n"People worry about being labeled 'crackpots' if they admit to overwhelming anxiety or fear," says Dager. "But there is evidence that these symptoms are the result of healthy coping mechanisms gone awry. And worrying about them tends to exaggerate their effects."\n\nThere are several different types of anxiety disorders. The most common are:\n\nGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), exaggerated tension without apparent cause, can be debilitating but doesn't usually cause people to avoid certain situations. People with GAD often seem unable to relax or fall asleep and may experience lightheadedness, shortness of breath, nausea, trembling, muscle tension, headaches, irritability, or sweating. \n\nPanic Disorder (PD) causes people to feel terror suddenly and unpredictably. PD can become disabling when people avoid situations they fear may bring on an attack. Panic attack symptoms include rapid pulse, chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, numbness, trembling, and a fear of going crazy or dying. Depression or alcoholism often accompanies PD. Panic disorder is probably the best studied and understood of the anxiety disorders. \n\nAgoraphobia, the most disabling anxiety disorder, is diagnosed when panic attacks cause people to increasingly refrain from normal activities. As such people avoid situations where they fear an attack may occur -- in crowds and stores and on bridges and public transportation -- they become so restricted, they may not leave their homes. \n\nSocial Phobia (SP), an intense fear of humiliation in social settings, may cause sufferers to avoid parties, public speaking, eating out, or even signing a check in public. Unlike shyness, those with SP can feel at ease around others, yet particular situations, like walking down an aisle, cause intense anxiety. SP disrupts relationships and careers as sufferers avoid certain situations. \n\nObsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by rituals, such as washing hands or checking things repeatedly (compulsions), or persistent, unwelcome thoughts, such as fears of committing violent acts, of performing sexual acts repugnant to the person, or of thoughts contrary to the person's religious beliefs (obsessions). Compulsive activities consume an hour or more each day and interfere with daily life. \n\nPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can result after a terrifying event, causing sufferers frightening thoughts and memories. Anniversaries of the incident can be difficult and ordinary events can trigger flashbacks or intrusive images. Sufferers may become easily irritated or have violent outbursts. Depression, substance abuse, or anxiety may accompany PTSD. \nIf\n you feel that your life is being ruled by anxiety and fear, and that your symptoms are having an impact on your relationships and daily life, you can find help. There's no need to live in fear
564099
No but I used to have anxiety attacks. I had no idea what the heck was going on til I was at work one day and a fellow nurse was observing me and she told me her observation. From then one when I had one I'd stop what I was doing closed my eyes and began to relax and breath in deep through my nose and slowing out my mouth til the attack stopped. I could feel it coming on I'd start getting dizzy, light headed, weak and start breathing hard fast, my pulse rate would elevate to about 120-130. I alway stopped what I was doing to do my calming session. They finally just came less and less and just stopped with in about 1 month or so after starting my breathing sessions.
955661
You need to examine WHY you are anxious. This is sometimes difficult to get to but figuring out what triggers you and why is the first step to getting control over it.\n\nThe most important thing to remember, is that YOU are in control.\n\nI used to have terrible panic attacks and then one day I realized... i am doing this to myself?? WHY?? After that I began to really look at things and see what was going on and how I could find ways to change it. \n\nUltimately, I gained control over myself and my panic attacks and thus, my life. \n\nI think too many people get to thinking they are out of control and all of these things become self-propagating problems (we think they are getting worse, so they do). \n\nI strongly believe that life is not about getting RID of our neuroses, it is about learning to live with them and appreciate them for making use the unique people that we are! \n\nGood luck my friend...
194696
I've had panic disorder for 18 years now and I say if the meds help you than stick with it, only speaking from my own personal experience I can tell you thats whats worked for me so If I have to take meds for the rest of my life to relieve the symptoms than I will.  It's kinda like when you get a headache you take tylenol for it...Thats the way I look at it anyways...Good luck with it!
99032
I have a friend and a sister who both were suffering from panic attacks.  Interestingly, both started therapy and were prescibed Paxil by their psychiatrists.  Neither ever had a nother panic attack.  There are very effective drugs to help people control panic attacks.  You should talk to a professional.  I think you should make an appointment so that hopefully you can avoid having another attack.  When my sister had her attacks, she said it felt like there was a giant weight pressing down on her chest and that she couldn't breath.  I'm really glad that she doesn't have those anymore.  Good luck to you.
686049
You may have a more serious anxiety problem. Speak to your doctor about it.
738600
One of the most frightening things you may find yourself experiencing is a "Panic attack" and it is very difficult to fully explain how it feels unless you have experienced one. The very first Panic attack often seems to come completely "out of the blue" and occurs whilst you are doing something that you do every day like driving to work, shopping, walking the dog, watching TV, cooking  etc. Suddenly you are struck by a barrage of frightening and uncomfortable symptoms and you are convinced that something terrible is going to happen to you there and then. \n\nPanic attacks can start for many reasons such as stress, overworking, bereavement, family, an accident, childbirth, following surgery and so on but at the time panic strikes for the first time you think you are doing fine and there seems to be no apparent reason at all. If you have subsequent panic attacks they too may seem to be unpredictable and random. There is now emerging evidence that anxiety and panic may have a genetic link.\n\nPeople that have never had a Panic attack assume that that it is just a feeling of nervousness or anxiety, but in reality the attacks are far more frightening and overwhelming. If nervousness is a 3 on a scale of 1-10, then a full blown panic attack is 11. \n\nWhat often happens next is that you begin to associate the Panic attack with the activity or place you were at the time so you start to avoid that situation. This is where the problems begin as each time you are forced into the situation that caused the attack, you automatically assume that it will happen again and start to re-live the feelings and this leads to agoraphobia and limiting of activities and leading a normal life.\n\n\nPanic disorder can be frightening, disabling, and frustrating both to recover from and  to live with someone with it. \n\nGetting appropriate and quick medical help is not easy and the slide from anxiety to panic and then to agoraphobia can progress quickly without intervention and support.\n\nOften the sufferer will not go out as they say they 'know' they are going to faint or 'have a heart attack'. See the "Symptoms" section for explanations of these feelings and the reasons for them. Please read the "Help yourself" section for some really useful information on how to cope.\n\nAs Panic can strike very quickly and often the trigger is not apparant, there is usually little warning that it is about to happen. It is not surprising, therefore, that many sufferers avoid situations that they think or 'know' might cause the panic attacks to happen. This leads to fears of situations or places that last caused anxiety and so the sufferer avoids them at all costs! This is agoraphobia. The problem here is that it can take months, even years, to re-educate the individual that it is their thoughts and assumptions that are to blame for these attacks and not the place at all but it still takes a long time to return to such places.\n\nTalking from experience, I avoid public transport because of several incidents in taxis where I was terrified and therefore starting associating any Public Transport with 'fear' and 'panic'. The problem then 'spread' to include trains, buses and eventually I was unable to get in the car with someone else driving. This is still a problem today. I do drive myself but the problems do not stop there!\n\nI was once told that if you 'sit a Panic attack out' to see how bad it can actually get it will reach a point where it can't get any worse and you 'automatically' start to calm down. \n\nIf you suffer from severe anxiety or panic attacks, but don't know it, then you can end up going to numerous doctors/ A+E departments with a variety of symptoms and self diagnosis only to be told that there is nothing medically wrong with you and you are not given any help, information or solutions. This leads you to the conclusion that you may have som