Panic attacks are highly distressing episodes that can evoke a range of intense physical and psychological sensations. Individuals experiencing a panic attack may feel as if they are losing control, going crazy, or dying. The symptoms can be so overwhelming that it can be difficult to convey the experience accurately to others.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that typically peaks within minutes and can last up to an hour. It is a common symptom of various anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as if they are losing control or going crazy, even though there is no real danger present.
The physical symptoms of a panic attack can be frightening and include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, and feelings of choking or suffocating. These sensations can be so intense that they can lead individuals to believe they are having a heart attack or are going to die.
Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, or they can be triggered by a specific situation or object, such as flying on an airplane or encountering a spider. The fear of experiencing another panic attack can cause individuals to avoid situations or places that they associate with previous attacks, leading to feelings of isolation and anxiety.
While the exact cause of panic attacks is unknown, research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors may play a role. Stressful life events, childhood trauma, and substance abuse can also increase the risk of developing panic attacks.
Treatment for panic attacks typically includes psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. CBT can help individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to panic attacks, while medication can help reduce the severity and frequency of panic attacks. It is essential to seek professional help if you experience panic attacks as they can significantly impact your quality of life.
What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
If you ask five people how they felt when they experienced a panic attack, you will hear five completely different stories. No two people experience things in exactly the same way. For general guideline purposes, these are the major symptoms of panic attacks. Panic attacks have at least four of the following symptoms:
- Fear of dying
- Unreal feelings or feeling like a separate entity from yourself
- Tingling sensations
- Feelings of numbness
- Chills or heat sensations in the body
- Dizzy feelings
- Lightheaded feelings
- Faint-like feelings
- Feeling unsteady on your feet
- Abdominal stress or nausea
- Chest pains
- Intense chest discomfort
- Feelings of choking
- Shortness of breath
- Feelings of being smothered
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking of the body
- Pounding heartbeat, accelerated heart rate, or heart palpitations
Because panic attacks feel so much like other life-threatening situations, there are many events that you may experience with the same symptoms. You may feel as if you’re experiencing a heart attack or an anxiety attack. Unfortunately, it can take years to diagnose correctly. Panic attacks can happen while you are calm. It also can occur as a symptom of other diseases, such as social anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. True panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder. Panic disorder can easily be treated by a trained professional without incident.
How Could Inpatient Treatment for Anxiety and Panic Disorder Help?
Inpatient treatment for anxiety and panic disorder can provide a wide range of benefits for those suffering from the condition. It can help individuals to gain more control over their symptoms, reduce stress levels, and make progress toward leading a more fulfilling life.
Some of the most significant benefits include the following:
- Improved understanding of the root causes of anxiety and panic attacks, allowing individuals to better know how to address them in the future
- A safe and secure space away from triggers that could lead to an increase in anxiety or panic attacks
- Access to psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals develop coping skills that can be used long-term
- Supportive care provided by experienced professionals 24/7
- Opportunities to practice relaxation techniques and activities, such as mindfulness, yoga, art, and music therapy
- A supportive community of peers with similar experiences that can provide comfort and understanding
- An individualized approach to treatment tailored to the needs of the individual
- Increased confidence in managing symptoms when leaving inpatient care
Inpatient treatment for anxiety and panic disorder can be an effective way for individuals to gain control over their condition, reduce stress levels, and make progress toward leading a more fulfilling life. With the help of experienced professionals, individuals can gain the skills they need to manage their symptoms both during and after their stay in order to lead happier lives.