What to Look For When You Suspect You're Having a Panic Attack

There has been much talk and news today about panic; perhaps more people are suffering from this condition because we live in such scary times in such a scary world, but perhaps more people are simply aware that they are having a panic attack and so are seeking treatment for it.  Unfortunately even with all the additional information that is out there about this disorder many patient still don't know what to look for when they suspect they're actually having a panic attack.

Panic attacks affect a person not just mentally and emotionally but physically as well.  It's not unusual for those having a panic attack to get dizzy and lightheaded.  They also feel numbness and tingling in their arms and fingers.  Because of being panicked, they may have a hard time speaking or thinking clearly.  The symptoms of having a panic attack overwhelm them so that they have a hard time concentrating and focusing, and sometimes a sufferer can even slur their speech.

It's easy to see why the symptoms of having a panic attack are confused with stroke or heart attack.  But the problem is that if someone assumes they're having a heart attack or stroke and don't realize that they're having a panic attack they don't get the help they need. 

They may check into a hospital and undergo test after test to find out the problem with their heart or have the doctor check for signs of a stroke, all the while ignoring the real issue.  This is not only costly and invasive, it's also ineffective.  Being treated for a problem you don't have and ignoring the problem you do doesn't solve or help anything.

To be sure that you're having a panic attack and not a stroke or heart attacks, it's important to be keenly aware of the emotional reaction you have.  Panic is usually accompanied by fear of one's surroundings or claustrophobia, an overwhelming urge to run away, confusion, and a sense of dread for what might happen next.  All of these emotional and mental reactions are signs of a person having a panic attack and may occur in conjunction with their physical reaction as well.

Panic affects each person differently with a variety of symptoms, so anyone that suspects he or she is having a panic attack should make an appointment with a physician to rule out physical problems and to get the help that is available as well.