What are the symptoms of a panic attack?
In order to understand symptoms of a panic attack symptom, it is helpful to first understand a bit about the human nervous system and the “Fight or Flight” response. The nervous system is what controls the various fear and panic symptoms and reactions of the body. Specifically it is the “Autonomic” nervous system which is the part that controls all the automatic functions that occur in your body such as your heartbeat and breathing. One part of the autonomic system, called the sympathetic division, is responsible for your body’s automatic reactions to a threat, and serves to “rev up” the body almost instantaneously, in preparation to either flee from the danger (escape), or to stay and battle against it (aggression).
When the body becomes “revved up”, important changes take place very quickly that will serve to aid the body in fighting or fleeing, such as muscles tensing in preparation for movement, increased breathing so more oxygen is available for use, the heart pumps faster to supply more blood to the muscles, dilation of the pupils to permit enhanced vision of the danger, and an increase in bladder and bowel activity to free the body for strenuous activity. Adrenaline is also increased in the bloodstream, providing the added strength and stamina needed for fleeing or fighting. Certain bodily functions that are not essential to fight or flight, are actually stopped during this phase, as they are not needed. Digestion is one example. Symptoms of a dry mouth are the result of digestive juices, including saliva, being unnecessary, and therefore unavailable during this time. This stage is also characterized by an overwhelming desire to do something — usually something to get physically away from the danger or to reduce its threat in some other way.
If a person holds in strong feelings or stays in a situation where they feel threatened or trapped, the “fight or flight” response will be triggered. When the increased adrenaline is not used for fight or flight activities and the person stays in a situation trying to pretend that they do not feel a need to run away, then the excess adrenaline can cause the following symptoms of a panic attack:
* rapid heart rate, pounding heart, or heart palpitations
* sweating
* trembling or shaking body parts
* feeling short of breath, or having a smothering sensation
* feeling like you are choking
* chest pain or tightness in chest
* nausea or other stomach distress or discomfort
* feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint
* feeling like things are not real, or feeling ‘outside of’ yourself
* fear of losing control or of ‘going crazy’
* fear of dying
* numbness or tingling sensations in your body
* chills or hot flushes
If a person with excess adrenaline were to expend the energy by exercise or other physical outlet to express feelings (such as crying and pounding on a pillow), the panic attack symptoms would subside.
Karen Novak, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist with over 11 years of psychotherapy experience. She has specialized in the areas of anxiety, panic disorders, agoraphobia, and depressive disorders, and has conducted extensive psychotherapy and psychological assessments with young adults, older adults, seniors, and nursing home residents. Dr. Novak is also the co-founder of CalmConnection.com, a website to help sufferers of agoraphobia, panic attacks, and anxiety disorders. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/what-are-the-symptoms-of-a-panic-attack-1017754.html
