Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden feeling of overwhelming anxiety and fear. Your heart pounds and you can’t breathe. You may even feel like you’re dying or going crazy. In many cases, panic attacks come out of nowhere, without any warning. Often, there is no clear reason for the attack. They may even occur when you’re relaxed or asleep. A panic attack may be a one-time occurrence, but many people experience repeat episodes. Recurrent panic attacks are often triggered by a specific situation, such as crossing a bridge or speaking in public especially if that situation has caused a panic attack before. Usually, the panic-inducing situation is one in which you feel endangered and unable to escape. You may experience one or more panic attacks, yet be otherwise perfectly happy and healthy. Many signs of panic attacks include a shortness of breath or hyperventilation, heart palpitations or a racing heart, chest pain or discomfort, trembling or shaking, choking feeling, sweating, nausea or upset stomach, feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint, hot or cold flashes. A common reason for panic attacks for teenagers is tests; when they do tests in school some do receive panic attacks. In my opinion, panic attacks should be taken very seriously because they can restrain certain people from doing well in school or restrain them from doing something they love.




http://www.medicinenet.com/panic_disorder/article.htm