Panic

It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 30 people may experience panic at some stage during the life cycle. Most of us may experience anxiety; however a panic attack is much more intense and tends to occur unexpectedly rather than in predictable ways. Many of the symptoms of panic are experienced in an anxiety response; however, a panic attack is much more intense than usual and may result in the following:

  • Heart pounding

  • Sweating

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Shortness of breath

  • Choking sensations

  • Chest pain or discomfort

  • Dizziness or light headedness

  • Thoughts of losing control

  • Fear of dying

Many people change their behaviour to try to prevent panic attacks occurring. Some people are affected so much that they try to avoid any place where it might be difficult to get help or to escape from. When this avoidance is severe it is called agoraphobia.

 

NOTE: If your symptoms are very severe or if a doctor has not checked your symptoms, it is important to have an assessment conducted by a qualified health professional. It is important to ensure that these symptoms are the result of anxiety and not caused by something else.