Panic attacks, include four or more of the following symptoms:

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• Heart palpitations or an accelerated heart rate (pulse)

• Excessive sweating

• Trembling or shaking

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling of choking

• Chest pain

• Nausea or abdominal pain

• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint

• Derealization or depersonalization

• Fear of losing control or going crazy

• Fear of dying

• Feelings of numbness or tingling sensations

• Chills or hot flashes

 

The symptoms of panic attacks typically occur spontaneously and peak within the first 10 minutes before gradually subsiding. However, some symptoms have the potential to last longer. Additionally, numerous panic attacks can occur one after the other, making it difficult to fully recognize when one attack has ended and another one has began.

 

There are two separately defined types of panic attacks:

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• Unexpected panic attacks occur without any obvious trigger or cause. They can come on seemingly "out of the blue" even when you are relaxed and resting.

• Expected panic attacks are those which occur when you are exposed to one of your triggers. For example, if you have a fear of flying you may have a panic attack when you board a plane. 

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Hypnotherapy can help.

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