Symptoms of Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks

Have you ever felt like you're going to die? Sounds like an odd questions upfront, but people who suffer from panic attacks can have this feeling without any notice. It's something that is triggered for several different reasons, but it's your job to figure out what they are and to prevent them. Let's just put it this way, if you're suffering from at least 4 of the following symptoms, you're most liking having a panic attack; nausea, hot flashes, chills, stress, sweating, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, feelings of fear and terror, choking sensations and several others.

Chances are that you have experienced the symptoms of panic disorder at least one time or another in your life. You will know it because it will be like something that you have never before felt. Panic attacks are very bold and noticeable, but mainly just to the person who is experiencing them. You might fear that others notice that you are having an attack, but in most cases, it really is all in your head.

The symptoms of panic disorder are devastating, and unfortunately, there is more than one kind. One type of panic attack is called a caffeine panic attack. Obviously, these attacks are brought on by too much caffeine. When we drink caffeine, we are more or less trying to become more alert, awake, and energetic. Combine those feelings with panic symptoms, and you have a very nasty situation on your hands. While it is still okay to consume some caffeine, a whole lot is not recommended for those who suffer from panic attacks.

Another one of the common symptoms of panic disorder are those that occur while driving. If you suffer from fear of closed spaces, this can really become a problem. You might be fine one minute, and then the next you are literally freaking out. All of a sudden the car seems to be getting smaller and smaller. The only thing that you can think about is escaping the situation that you have entered into.

Having the symptoms of panic disorder while driving can be terrorizing. For one, you need to be paying attention to what you are doing. Secondly, you should realize that those scary, racing thoughts are not real. They are simply an illusion that will fade very shortly. If you must, pull over somewhere and get out of the car for a few minutes before hitting the road again and grab a drink of water. Most importantly, breathe.

A lot of women experience panic attacks when they are going through menopause. A lot of it has to do with the hormonal changes that are occurring in the body. A lot of women may feel like they are losing something precious and dear to them knowing that they can no longer conceive children, and that can create lots of anxiety. The hormonal changes that occur even afterward can leave the menopausal woman feeling vulnerable, confused, and hopeless.

Even pregnant women are extremely susceptible to having panic attacks. These often occur when it's time to deliver and you start wondering if the baby will be okay, if something is going to go wrong during the delivery, or if you're going to survive. Honestly, it's a miserable thought process and even though we call it labor, others call it panic attacks.

Unfortunately you can't just take a pill and let it all be over. Panic attacks have to be dealt with in a delicate matter that comes from things like deep breathing exercises, relaxing, and understanding how everything works. Our favorite is keeping a diary or journal about your daily events. Anytime you feel something out of whack, write it down. Then assess the reason why it occurred. Maybe it's because of the caffeine, maybe your body doesn't have enough nutrients, or maybe you just need to change your life style. Whatever it is there is always a solution. In the case of panic attacks you just have to take a different approach.