What is a Panic Attack?

Question

What is the best way to describe what a panic attack is?
Can you have a panic attack even when you arent stressing?

Someone said something about Clonopin regulating the "mitral valve" I was told i have mitral valve prolapse...a mild case...could this be causing my panic attacks?

Answer 1

Panic Disorders are repeated episodes of intense fear that strike often and without warning. Physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal distress, feelings of unreality, and fear of dying.
Generalized Anxiety Disorders are constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine life events and activities, lasting at least six months. Almost always anticipating the worst even though there is little reason to expect it; accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache, or nausea.

Yes you can have symptoms even when you aren't aware of feeling stressed. For more info go to the National Institute for Mental Health website at [e-mail]. And see your doctor. There are simple treatments to take and lifestyle changes you can make to prevent them from recurring.

Answer 2

OK, as someone who is fresh off medication for anxiety and panic disorders, let me take a crack at this: A fair few of the symptoms could be either, but all of them could be panic attacks. However, here are a few things which could help you determine which: Do these start after you've been thinking about your health, and wondering if you are OK. Panic attacks normally start with a thought, and build up based on it. Are you mentally confused at all during them? When I had panic attacks, I was never able to sit still. I would try to calm down and breath normally, but the slightest thing would set me off and I'd have to move. Does the shaking happen usually after things start to calm down. Your body produces a huge amount of adrenaline during a panic attack, and coming down off that causes shaking for people who have had panic attacks. If you really try had, and breath slowly and normally, and try to clear your mind, does this help it go away? Does the headache come after as well? I often got them from the physical exertion, which is usually quite extreme during a panic attack. I hope this helps...

Answer 3

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 4

yes, you can have a panic attack even while not stressing!! I was on clonopin for this condition many years ago.(not fun at all)

my m.d. at the time told me that the clonopin somehow regulated the mitral valve in the heart and thus prevented a panic episode.

these "mini seizures" are very real and frightening to the victim!!
one moment you are happy and content, no problems-then suddenly you are having sporatic pains,feelings of doom and death,hope lessness-tachacardia etc. -- thank God that ordeal is over-

In my particular case it lasted about 2 1/2 years.(the clonopin did stop all but a very few "bleed through" attacks.

Answer 5

a panic attack is caused by anxiety. Usually stress. when youare overwhelmed by something that causses you to stress out and usually it is a panic attack. i use to have them all the time... i use to get so hot i would sweat, shortness of breathe, your chst tightens a little, you'll think you are about to have heart attack and die. what you should do is not take it lightly and see your doctor so that he can prescribe you something for that. drink lots of cold water when you fell it coming on.
email me ..i'm always available to talk.

Answer 6

Many panic attacks are the result of a sudden drop in blood sugar (reactive hypoglycemia). See Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution for a complete explanation and a system of diet and supplements to correct this problem.

Answer 7

I had anxiety attacks, which really isn't much different. Mine included some tremors and hard breathing. They weren't fun. My counselor did say that you can have an attack once your are relaxed b/c your body feels like now is a safe time to freak out. It may not always occur during the stressful moment b/c your body has great mechanisms for keeping itself "safe."

Answer 8

I'm not a doctor, but I've had lots of experience with these. My mother had them when I was younger...hers were very severe...she could not be around a crowd; her symptoms were sweating/shaking/fast heart rate; Yes, you can have them when you are not stressing. Some people have less severe ones; my mother saw a psychiatrist to treath hers, but you can talk to a general family doctor for more info./advice

Answer 9

panic attacks are caused by stress, almost feels like heart attack

Answer 10

It feels like your heart is racing a million miles an hour like your having a heart attack,like you cant take a deep breath of air,like your mind is racing a million miles an hour and you sweat .
and YES you can have one even if you are not stressing,you might have somthing unconciously making you feel this way.