Panic attacks involve sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. People experiencing a panic attack may believe they are dying or going crazy. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. You may also think you're having a
heart attack, and it's true that some of the symptoms can be similar. However, most people having a panic attack have had one before, triggered by a similar event or situation. The chest pain of a panic attack usually stays in the mid-chest area (the pain of a heart attack commonly moves toward the left arm or jaw). You may also have rapid breathing, rapid
heartbeat, and fear. Panic attacks come and disappear suddenly, but leave you exhausted. If you suddenly have four or more of these symptoms, you may be having a panic attack: Panic attacks are generally brief, lasting less than 10 minutes, although some of the symptoms may last longer. An isolated panic attack, while extremely unpleasant,
is not uncommon or life-threatening. Panic attacks can be a symptom of other anxiety disorders, and people who’ve had one panic attack are at greater risk for another compared to those who’ve never had one. Panic attacks and panic disorder are not the same thing. When the attacks happen repeatedly and you worry about having more episodes, you may have panic disorder. People with panic
disorder may be extremely anxious and fearful, since they are unable to predict when the next episode will occur. Panic disorder is fairly common and affects about 6 million adults in the U.S. Women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition, and its symptoms usually begin in early adulthood.How Long Do Panic Attacks Last?
What Else Should I Know About Panic Disorder?
It is not clear what causes panic disorder. In many people who have the biological vulnerability to panic attacks, they may develop in association with major life changes (such as getting married, having a child, starting a first job, etc.) and major lifestyle stressors. There is also some evidence that suggests that the tendency to develop panic disorder may run in families. People who suffer from panic disorder are also more likely than others to suffer from depression, attempt suicide, or to abuse alcohol or drugs.
Fortunately, panic disorder is a treatable condition. Psychotherapy and medications have both been used, either singly or in combination, for successful treatment of panic disorder. If medication is necessary, your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications, certain antidepressants or sometimes certain anticonvulsant drugs that also have anti-anxiety properties, or a class of heart medications known as beta-blockers to help prevent or control the episodes in panic disorder.
With so much information during this uncertain time, it’s hard not to feel anxiety. High levels of anxiety however could affect your health and lead to symptoms that mimic those of COVID-19.
Shortness of breath is identified as an increased effort to breathe, chest tightness or a feeling of not getting enough oxygen. While this can be attributed to both anxiety and coronavirus, their symptoms are quite different. Symptoms of anxiety can also include: feelings of panic and fear, obsessive thoughts, excessive sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness. Symptoms of coronavirus include: fever, dry cough, aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat, or diarrhea – the major distinctions in this case being fever and dry cough.
A person who is experiencing shortness of breath due to anxiety may also only experience it in intervals lasting 10 – 30 minutes at a time and symptoms will likely come and go throughout the day. Whereas a person with coronavirus who is having difficulty breathing will experience it for a longer period of time, typically alongside flu-like symptoms.
If you find that you are experiencing anxiety, here are some things that you can do to help ease the symptoms that you may be feeling:
- Take slow deep breaths
- Go for a walk or try a stretching exercise
- Limit the amount of news you watch and read
- Watch a funny video or movie
- Read a book or find a hobby you enjoy
If you’re experiencing feelings of anxiety that won’t go away, talk with your doctor about your options. If your shortness of breath is coupled with symptoms of coronavirus, contact your healthcare provider.
For more COVID-19 information, visit our COVID-19 Information page.
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