Panic attacks

A panic attack is a sudden, intense fear or anxiety. It may make you short of breath or dizzy or make your heart pound. You may feel out of control. Some people believe that they're having a heart attack or are about to die. An attack usually lasts from 5 to 20 minutes. But it may last longer, up to a few hours. If these attacks happen often, they are called a panic disorder.

Panic attacks can be scary and so bad that they get in the way of your daily activities. Treatment can help most people have fewer symptoms or even stop the attacks.

Symptoms of a panic attack may include:

• A feeling of intense fear, terror, or anxiety.
• Trouble breathing or very fast breathing.
• Chest pain or tightness.
• A heartbeat that races or isn't regular.
• Sweating.
• Nausea or an upset stomach.
• Dizziness and shaking.
• Numbness or tingling.
• Fear that you are going to die, lose control, or "go crazy."

Your doctor will ask about your past health and symptoms. He or she will do a physical exam. The doctor will listen to your heart and check your blood pressure. You may get blood tests to check for other causes of your symptoms. The doctor may need to rule out other health conditions that have symptoms that are similar to panic disorder, such as a heart attack or hyperthyroidism.

You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have at least two unexpected panic attacks and worry about having another attack. This includes avoiding situations that may trigger an attack.

Treatment may include:

• Counseling. An example is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Exposure therapy is a type of CBT. It helps you confront upsetting situations or thoughts until you feel less fearful of them.
• Medicines. Antidepressants may be used to help with panic attacks and panic disorder. Your doctor may try other types of medicines if antidepressants don't help.
• Home treatment. This includes relaxation exercises.

Treatment can help most people control or even stop attacks. It can help lower the anxiety you feel because of the fear of future attacks. But symptoms can come back, especially if you stop treatment too soon.

Unfortunately, many people don't seek treatment. You may not seek treatment because you think the symptoms aren't bad enough. Or maybe you think that you can work things out on your own. But getting treatment is important. It can prevent other problems related to panic disorder. These problems include depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder.

If your panic attacks get too severe or happen too often, you may need to be treated in the hospital until they are under control.

• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Make sure your child goes to all counseling sessions and follow-up appointments.
• Help your child recognize and accept their anxiety. Your child needs to learn that when faced with a situation that causes anxiety, it can help to say, "This is not an emergency. I feel uncomfortable, but I am not in danger. I can keep going even if I feel anxious."
• Help your child learn to be kind to their body. Teach your child to:
  • Relieve tension with exercise or a massage.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and illegal drugs. They can increase your child's anxiety level, cause sleep problems, or trigger a panic attack.
  • Learn and do relaxation techniques.
• Help your child learn to engage their mind. Have your child get out and do something fun. Go to a funny movie, or take a walk or hike. Having too much or too little to do can make your child anxious.
• Keep a record of your child's symptoms. Encourage your child to discuss any fears with a good friend or family member. Teens may be able to join a support group for teens with similar problems. Talking to others sometimes relieves stress.
• Encourage your child to be active each day. Your child may like to take a walk with you, ride a bike, or play sports.