A panic attack is basically defined by the medical community as a sudden or abrupt occurrence of intense fear that overcomes you for no obvious reason. This fear brings about some quite severe physical symptoms.

How can you tell if you are having a panic attack?

Ask yourself the following:

Are you experiencing an episode of extreme fear or tremendous anxiety for no apparent reason? Did this episode come on suddenly?

If so, are you experiencing two or more of the following symptoms?:

  • A Racing heart/Increased heart rate or awareness of your heart beating
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath or an increased breathing pattern
  • Hyperventilation
  • Tightness in your throat
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Faintness
  • Chills
  • Trembling
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Nausea
  • Hot Flashes
  • Headache
  • Apprehension
  • Fear that you are having a heart attack
  • A feeling of impending doom or death
  • A dream-like or trance-like state
  • Fear of losing control
  • The feeling of a need to escape
  • Feeling of terror

    • If you are also experiencing two or more of those symptoms, you very well could be having a panic attack. It is even possible to be woken up from your sleep by one of these attacks.

    An attack episode can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. In rare cases, it could even last for a whole day.

    When the attack is over, you’ll probably feel worn out and fatigued as well as pretty upset. And, you’ll likely fear having another one.

    So what should you do? Talk to a doctor or even a medical help line. Although these attacks usually don’t kill anyone, they still should be taken quite seriously. And if it’s something else you’re having, you need to know that too.