Panic attacks might be described as sudden feelings of dread

 

Panic attacks might be described as sudden feelings of dread that appear with no warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even while asleep. Women experience panic attacks twice as commonly as men. An individual who experiences a panic attack may imagine that she is having a heart attack or that death is impending. The horror and misery experienced during one of these crises, however, aren't proportional to the real situation. Actually, the symptoms of a panic attack could be unrelated to events in the man's life. Most individuals who experience panic attacks experience these symptoms: Fast pulse Dizziness, fainting or weakness Tingling or numbness in hands and fingers Awareness of panic, anxiety or impending death Sweating or chills Chest pain or tightness Difficulty breathing Feeling-out of control Panic attacks are typically brief and last less than ten minutes; nevertheless, some symptoms may continue for an extended time. Those who've had a panic attack before have an increased risk of having another episode than individuals who have never had panic attacks. If the attacks occur frequently, the individual has been regarded to be suffering from panic disorder. Scmnewline People with panic disorder often feel extremely troubled and frightened, since they're unable to predict when the next episode will occur. Panic disorder is common and affects about 2.4 million Americans, or 1.7% of the adult population aged 18 to 54. Panic disorder usually begins in early maturity. Scmnewline The exact cause of panic disorder is uncertain. For many, symptoms may develop and worsen when there are major life changes like getting married, having kids or starting a new job. There is also evidence to indicate that the inclination to develop panic disorder runs in families. Individuals who suffer from panic disorder are also more vulnerable to depression, suicide attempts and also the misuse of alcohol or drugs. Scmnewline Fortunately for those suffering from perennial panic attacks, panic disorder is a treatable disease. Psychotherapy and drugs can be highly effective. A blend of the two may be ideal for the successful treatment of panic disorder. If medication is needed, the physician will prescribe anti anxiety drugs, antidepressants, or beta blockers to help control panic attack symptoms. Scmnewline It is relevant to notify the senior public the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack. Panic attacks can be frightening to anybody who hasn't experienced one. They can occur anytime, anywhere and without prior warning. Though a panic attack might come and go and never return, it is vital to aid seniors recognize a panic attack from a heart attack. Some panic attacks mimic the symptoms of a heart attack and induce sharp chest pains. Seniors who experience the hurting for the very first time 'panic' and head for the emergency-room of the nearest hospital. Scmnewline What Are Panic Attacks? Scmnewline Panic attacks are a sudden rush of adrenaline that creates unfounded fear or tension. It can happen at any time and in anyplace and for no special reason. You could be standing on the checkout line awaiting the supermarket cashier to ring up your groceries when without warning you get a sudden rush of fear and an immediate need to flee. Usually you'll leave all the groceries behind and rush outside of the store. Sometimes, but not necessarily, the episode is accompanied by chest pains and difficulty in breathing. Seniors with little understanding of panic attacks think they're having a heart-attack and rush to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Panic attacks are not restricted to seniors only but elderly seniors might frighten easily at the signs of the episode. Scmnewline How Did My First Panic Attack Occur and What Were The Signs? Scmnewline My first panic attack happened while I was smack in the center of the two lane busy road crossing. I was on a lunch-break. The coffee bar was directly across the street from my office. I'd crossed this street a large number of time. This time turned out to be different. Anyway, I crossed the road, ate my lunch, paid the bill and headed back to work. I stepped off the curb, took eight steps forwards and froze where I was-directly in the center of most of the on-going traffic. Scmnewline My legs wouldn't move-they stayed where I stood. I thought I was going insane. Then I noticed cars making a turn directly towards where I was standing. My legs still were frozen to the place. It was like my mind no more was sending a message to my legs to move. I remained perfectly still as if I were paralyzed. Then I noticed cars heading towards me. I had to use every bit of will-power I to force my legs to mind. I ended up by literally dragging the two of my legs towards the curb and up on the sidewalk. Scmnewline At that time I had no clue what had just happened to me. I never crossed that road or ate at that restaurant again. It was the fear that what had previously happened might occur again that kept me from walking across that street or another street again. It took me several years before I could cross a street, even just a narrow road. Without realizing it that single panic attack had developed into a panic problem and took entire charge of my own life. Scmnewline Do Anxiety Attacks Only Happen To The Elderly? Scmnewline Panic attacks can happen to anyone regardless of sex or age. The attacks normally hit when you least expect it-no matter where you are or what you are doing. When I had my first attack I had no ideawas occurring to me. Fortunately I had no chest pains or I also would have thought I was having a heart-attack. Panic attack symptoms change. I'd never heard of panic attacks before I'd mine. Scmnewline How Long Does a Panic Attack Last? 

 The signs of the attack start rapidly, Panic Attack Symptoms and without any warning and may impact you in any manner. The attack itself can continue for five minutes or an hour. Not all panic attacks impact men and women in the exact same manner and no two people could have precisely the same reaction. Scmnewline Does a Panic Attack Only Happen to Seniors and Women? Scmnewline Because this article is aimed at the senior population, I'm naturally talking about the impact it has on the seniors. However a panic attack is not restricted to seniors. It may effect those of any age or gender. Once an elderly senior experiences their first panic attack associated with chest pains the panic of having a heart attack is greater. 

 The Best Way To Identify the Difference Between a Anxiety Attack and a Heart Attack 

 It's not always simple to tell the difference between an anxiety attack or an anxiety attack. The similarities could possibly be precisely the same. Remember that not all anxiety attacks are associated with chest pains and unusual heartbeats, but most heart attacks are. When uncertain get to the emergency room in the hospital. When the chest pains are acute call 911 immediately. Let the doctors find out what sort of attack you are having. Scmnewline Some Symptoms To Take Note Of: 

 1. Most seniors who are experiencing panic attacks will experience a fast or irregular heart rate. Usually a quick heartbeat without intense pain can be an anxiety attack. Scmnewline 2. Often times an panic attack is accompanied rapid breathing and you also feel your heart is rushing. It might also feel like you are unable to slow it down. Most of the time this is actually the panic you're feeling. Make certain if this occurs that you try to unwind and take a deep breath before you feel the attack coming to a halt and you begin to calm down. Scmnewline 3. Shortness of breath can be a sign of a heart-attack. If the fast breathing doesn't stop or you possess a cold sweat and feel dizzy like you need to pass out, you might be having a heart attack. Symptoms of the two are sometimes like. Call 911 rather than trying to figure out whether the cause is a result of a panic attack or even a heart attack. Scmnewline 4. Not all panic attacks are associated with chest pains. My anxiety attacks lasted for 10 years or more, and I never had chest pains or fast respiration. Mine stayed while they started with anxiety of being in a situation that I really cannot immediately escape. Like having to stand in an unemployment line, having to sit for an interview, needing to cross a street midway and unable to cross completely to the other side or driving in an unknown area and needing to turn back immediately. To this day I am still not able to drive on highways. I need to take-back streets so I know I will stop driving whenever I want to. For more information browse through our website.