Everyone in life has some type of fear and overtime, some start to notice that it’s constant every time a weird entity enters there thoughts. That’s when the big question pops up, “what are panic attacks?” Well, here’s the answer to your underlying question. Panic attacks go through a discrete period of intense anxiety, are very sudden, fear, mounting physiological arousal, stomach problems that are associated with a variety of cognitive and somatic symptoms, which can be very discomforting. These onset episodes may have no triggers and are typically abrupt.
Even though these episodes occur randomly, they are subsets commonly referred to as fight or flight which is an evolutionary response that can occur out of context. Hormones and epinephrine (adrenaline) flood the body, which aids in defending the body against harm. It is said that the experience of a panic attack is one of the most intense, frightening, upsetting, and uncomfortable experiences in a person’s life.
The symptoms of an attack commonly last for about thirty minutes, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Panic attacks can also be as short as 15 seconds on the other hand, attacks can last for extended periods of time, they can form a cyclic series of episodes which can last for hours. In situations where attacks have been previously occurring, often those that are afflicted will experience anticipatory anxiety significantly and in between attacks they will have limited symptom attacks.
Commonly, panic attacks are link to what is called agoraphobia, the fear of not being able to get out of a bad situation. Many who have these attacks experience feelings like they are unable to free themselves, basically feeling trapped. From person to person the effect of the attack varies. First time sufferers may call emergency services for assistance because they probably did not think about the big question, “what are panic attacks?” If you are a first time sufferer you may feel as though you are having a nervous break down or a heart attack. So, before calling for assistance try to gain as much knowledge as you can about panic attacks and what causes them. Knowing this will empower you and can possibly help you or someone you love.
How can I learn more about panic attacks?
