Panic attack? Please help...?

Question

I already think I have some kind of obsessive worry disorder, but lately its gotten really bad and I'd like to know exactly what happens during a panic attack. I think about certain things that I worry over (for instance, my brother leaving in a month to go on a cross-country trip) and my heart starts to pound and I feel full of anxiety and like I'm going to vomit, then I feel tired and overwhelmed, like I can't keep my head upright. The feeling of unease and nausea sticks with me for a long while afterward, though feeling incredibly tired usually passes. Could this be classified as a panic attack? If not, what is it? Help please!

Answer 1

certainly sounds like a form of panic disorder. A panic attack is caused by a sudden release of adrenaline from the brain. Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares the body for "fight or flight", ordinarily it is only released in response to some sort of external stimulus like danger or excitement of some sort. But in panic disorder, it is released for no apparent reason at the time. The good news is that adrenaline is a very short acting hormone, 15 minutes tops. If you learn to relax when the symptoms arise and focus on breathing deeply and slowly for fifteen minutes it will pass. The problems arise when you let the symptoms scare you, this makes the brain release even more adrenaline and it becomes a vicious cycle that doesn't end until you are exhausted. You could also invest in a visit with a psychiatrist, they can refer you to a panic management class, or prescribe some of the anxiolytic meds that will diminish your symptoms.

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 think it could be a panic attack. You should do some online research or see a doctor. I have had them for about 2 years...but you really have two options to live with it. You can go on meds but I personally don't. Or you can mentally train yourself (cognitive therapy) to get through the panic moment.

I'm no doctor, so good luck with whatever you do.

Answer 4

It could be a panic attack or it could be severe anxiety. You'd have to be professionally evaluated.

Panic attacks can happen for no reason. However, panic disorder means panic can be triggered by the fear of having a panic attack.
Anxiety is brought on by stress.

Answer 5

Yes classic anxiety/panic attack..But you don't need a doctor or pills! I every now & then get them. But the better I take care of my body the better I feel. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Even if it's simple daily walks. Learn to breath and be calm through tough situations. Try do a hobby which relaxes you. Take time out to treat your body with love and care so that it will be in better condition. I AM A HUGE WORRIER TOO BUT THESE THINGS DO HELP!! THE PILLS SUCK!!

Answer 6

Sounds like it could be a panic attack. You might also notice difficulty in controlling your breathing (hyperventilating), and feeling a bit spaced out. You need to go and have a chat with your doctor though - if you "think" you have an obsessive worry disorder - it sounds like you are building yourself up and causing yourself more problems. lots of people have them - its just down to learning ways of managing the panic and keeping it under control. Its a bit of a vicious circle - you can panic about panicking..... Stay away from caffeine as that can make you feel more hyper.

Answer 7

It does sound like a panic attack from your description. I've put below some helpful hints from the UKs Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma. Hope this helps and take care.

Answer 8

Yeah that is definately a panic attack or anxiety attack i get them all the time it's like the room is spinning and you feel so sick like you don't want to move or you will fall down what i do is just sit down and drink water close my eyes and in about half in hour everything is okay.

Answer 9

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 10

OH MY GOD!!!! Try not to panic but, that's a panic attack. Lot's of people have them. Try to get a better night's sleep and set time aside for yourself to relax.