What is a Panic Attack?
The symptoms of a panic attack are so closely related to many other troubles and conditions that many people have little or no idea what truly defines a panic attack. What is a panic attack is a common question and the answers you receive may not be as clear cut as you would like them to be.
The Symptoms of Panic
Panic attacks have symptoms that are related to the diagnosis of the problem. These symptoms are often emotional and mental in nature, but often include physical problems as well. To define, what is a panic attack, you must define the symptoms that are related to the trigger causing the symptoms.
A trigger is an person, place, thing or event that causes a spark, if you will, in the person who suffers from a panic attack. This trigger is the beginning point of the attack. For some, they are very aware of what those triggers are and their bodily reaction to those triggers. For others, the trigger is something that is unknown to them (consciously) and therefore even more scary for those who want to know what a panic attack is.
The symptoms that happen after the trigger has set off a reaction, are varied and can range from a mild case of breathlessness to severe heart attack like pains. Due to the close nature between the symptoms of a panic attack and the symptoms of a heart attack, the first panic attack will certainly lead you to the hospital and rightfully so. There is not way to tell them apart without an EKG. And, a panic attack can lead to a real heart attack if left untreated.
So, What is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is the bodies mental reaction to something that causes great anxiety. This mental reaction is a windfall in that the effects of the panic will start out small and grow over time as long as the person stays in the same condition or thought. This mental reaction often can not be stopped by the person, but, can be treated over time.
Suffering from a panic attack for the first time will certainly bring up two questions. What is a panic attack and how do I stop them from happening? Take care to notice the first instances you experience the symptoms. If you are ever unsure, go to the hospital immediately as a heart attack will need to be treated within 30 minutes and the body reactions are so similar, there is no room for self diagnosis.