What Happens When You Have a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks can feel all consuming and paralyzing. While panic is a natural, human response it doesn’t feel so natural when you are the one experiencing it. Research shows that 20-25% of people will have a panic attack at some point in their lives. While there is a difference between having a panic attack and a panic disorder, this statistic is staggering! The more you know about panic attacks, the sooner you can intervene and get help when you need it.

What Are the Symptoms of a Panic Attack?

The Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) defines a panic attack as “an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort” that reaches a peak within minutes, and during which time four (or more) of the following will occur;”

  • Heart palpitations or accelerated heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Feeling as if you are choking
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Nausea or other gastrointestinal distress
  • Feeling faint or dizzy
  • Chills or feverish
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Feeling as if things aren’t real or you are outside of yourself
  • Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
  • Fear of dying

Panic attacks can be overwhelming and feel all consuming. While this experience is powerful, you are NOT powerless. Therapy and psychiatric medication management can be powerful tools to help you learn more about your triggers to panic and how you can not only cope with them but even stop them before they start.

What Can You Do?

Therapy can help you to identify your triggers to panic and find healthy ways to cope with anxiety so that you don’t have to get to the point of panic. Psychopharmacology can help you to find the right medications to decrease panic so that you can use skills you learn even more effectively. Panic disorder is treatable. You can stop panic in its tracks with the right interventions.

Carolina Counseling Services in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina contracts with skilled licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals that know how to treat panic. You aren’t alone.

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and many more. Call our caring Scheduling Team today to get started!

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.