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Healthinmind/Mental Health Disorders/Anxiety Disorders The distinguishing feature of panic attacks is acute and overwhelming fear, severe enough to cause debilitating physical changes like hyperventilation, heart palpitations, chest pain, sweating, and feelings of smothering. The sufferer may have feelings of dying, impending doom, and outright terror. Out of body feelings are not unusual during a panic attack, nor are feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. Chills, hot flashes, and feelings of numbness may also be experienced. People with four or more symptoms like those above, in the absence of external causes, are having a panic attack. If several of these "uncaused" attacks occur over a period of a month, with worry about their recurrence during the period between attacks, the person can be diagnosed as having a panic disorder. Panic disorder without agoraphobia is diagnosed when the person does not attempt to avoid particular situations in an attempt to circumvent the attacks (see Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia to clarify the difference between the two diagnoses). Panic disorders often go through cycles; the beginning is usually between adolescence and the mid-30s, although earlier and later beginnings are possible. After a period of years, about 1/3 of the patients will have recovered, about 1/3 will be better, and the other 1/3 will range from the same to worse. If you or someone you love has this disorder, you may find relief if you consult a mental health professional (clinician, therapist). A mental health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to first understand what is happening and then will discuss treatment options, including medications. There are many ways family members or loved ones can help individuals to deal with their disorder better.
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