Panic Attacks

Panic attacks

During a panic attack you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason.

A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.

Symptoms include:

A racing heartbeat
Feeling faint
Sweating
Nausea
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Trembling
Hot flushes
Chills
Shaky limbs
Achoking sensation
Dizziness
Numbness or pins and needles
Dry mouth
Afeeling of dread or a fear of dying
A churning stomach
A tingling in your fingers
Feeling like you're not connected to your body

Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour.

The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your condition is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week.

Although panic attacks are frightening, they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm, and it's unlikely you'll be admitted to hospital if you have one.

Be aware that most of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions or problems, so you may not always be experiencing a panic attack.