- Panic attacks produce distressing mental and physical symptoms that can lead to a cycle of living in fear of fear, but they are not physically dangerous and will not cause lasting physical harm.
- They involve intense panic or fear that can occur as a result of stress, a trigger or as a response to a dangerous situation. They usually last between 5 and 20 minutes.
- Symptoms include: A racing heartbeat, feeling faint, sweating, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, hot flushes, chills, shaky limbs, a choking sensation, dizziness, numbness or pins and needles, dry mouth, a feeling of dread or a fear of dying, a churning stomach, tingling fingers and feeling like you're not connected to your body.
- You should see a GP if you’re experiencing symptoms regularly or they are impacting your life. A person may have panic disorder if they are experiencing regular, unexpected panic attacks, often for no apparent reason.
- Main treatment options include talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy to help modify reactions during an attack, alongside prescribed medications such as antidepressants.
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