Is it possible I'm having panic attacks for no reason?

Question

Can you have a panic attack for no reason?
Just sit there, and it happens?

I get dizzy/light headed out of nowhere, then my chest feels heavy, and I feel like I can't really breathe.

Is it a panic attack?
And is there a difference between a panic and an anxiety attack or is it two different words for the same thing?

Answer 1

As far as I know its pretty much the same. Anxiety would have more to do with stress and a panic attack would be more of an irrational reaction to well anything or nothing.
It does sound like you are having panic attacks, but you should mention this to your Dr. just in case he/she would want to run some tests on you just to rule out anything serious.
When you have these attacks do you kinda freak out during it then when its over you feel completely better? Or maybe imagine all kinds of bad things that could be wrong with you and why you feel like that? Because the dizzyness and feeling like you cant breathe could be caused by the attack because you are feeling scared, or an anxiety attack from being stressed.
Still you should tell your Dr. he/she might even want to prescribe meds. to help you relax or not to have the attacks anymore or to help control them.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, you can get them for no reason. I get them at work everyday. I'm usually fine for the first hour or so, but then they gradually come on during the day. Sometimes they are worse than others, and I try to avoid people when I get them. It helps mine go away.

I really dont know the difference between an anxiety attack or panic attack either. I just consider mine a panic attack because it's so severe. Light-headedness and feeling like I'm about to fall into a coma. I never do though, it's just extreme anxiety.

Answer 3

They are the same thing. It can feel like you are having a heart attack. The fear of the symptoms you feel seem to set you off even worse and the confusion and dread just intensify the symptoms. Here are a couple of tricks to help you be in control. One, and soon as you start feeling dizzy or lightheaded, get your head down (I always pretended I was messing with my shoe). This gets the blood in your brain and you'll get quick relief. Practice taking 5 long deep slow breaths, through your nose and relax at the end of every exhale. Remind yourself it is just a very controlable symptom and RELAX! Educate yourself with reading material or groups so you understand the changes your body is going through, which will also relieve your worry. If you still feel too anxious, see a psychiatrist (who is a M.D.). He will evaluate you and decide if medication is needed or therapy. There is no reason to suffer with this. Please try my ideas first as they usually work and that's all thats needed. Best of luck for you!

Answer 4

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Anxiety and panic attacks are the same thing. The attacks can appear as if they are "out of nowhere" but are usually a result of built up tension /anxiety or simply not breathing properly throughout the day. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 5

There may be an underlying reason, see your family MD, there is medication for it, you sound like you are having a panic attack look the difference up between panic/anxiety I find google to be helpful, they are not the same, depending on your age too, not sure how old you are, you may want to get a check up!

Answer 6

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 7

Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are basically the same thing, and it can seem to come out of nowhere. But there probably is something that causes it, whether you are aware of it or not (it could be taking over your subconscious). One thing you might want to be aware of is my brother had the same problems before his lung collapsed - not to scare you, but you might want to get chest x-rays if your chest feels wrong and you have trouble breathing.

Answer 8

Yes, panic attacks (or anxiety attacks) can be caused by stress, but they can also be caused heredity or biochemical factors.

Answer 9

yes, sounds just like what I suffer with. No difference in the two.