At times, it can start with a mere butterfly inside the stomach. As you watch the clock strike each second, the butterfly seems to flutter faster, more intense, making you feel uncomfortable. Then, you begin to feel difficulty in breathing, palpitations, and profuse sweating. This is the usual combination an individual experiences during a panic attack .  This episode is triggered by different events, most of which are situations that make a person feel nervous. Say, a job interview, speech in front of a crowd or merely anticipating for the next panic attack. There is no specific event that pushes this episode to surface. The only thing science knows is its connection to nerve-wracking incidents which can vary from one person to another.

Panic attack symptoms are not limited to those that are mentioned above. According to the Diagnostic Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders of DSM IV, feeling of choking, nausea, chills, hot flushes, numbing, derealisation, and depersonalization are considerable signs of Panic Attack.  If the episode has happened for a number of times, the case can be considered as serious which demands for a professional’s attention.  There are different suggested treatments for panic attacks; some can be as simple as breathing exercise while other cases require medications.

Situations can get serious due to panic attack symptoms that can affect an individual’s everyday activity. There are some cases where a person has to let go of a job due to a severe case of panic attack. Also, this panicky feeling can elevate to phobia which has more serious intensity. This usually transforms to phobia when panic attacks are left untreated.  This case shouldn’t be ignored for it can be debilitating. Socially, a person with a serious panic syndrome might have a problem in a crowd since its syndrome can be embarrassing.

Episode can surface as early as young adulthood. Teens are going through a lot and they are mostly vulnerable to feelings of nervousness. A change in their environment or activities that affect their confidence can sometimes elicit a feeling of nervousness.  It’s always important to talk with your kids and learn if they usually feel a butterfly inside their stomach.

As parents, teachers or employers, it’s very important to be observant.  People with this case might not be aware of their problem.  It would be very helpful to take notice of the Panic Attacks symptoms in order to address the case and treat it.