Feeling of shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and shaking can indicate that the person is very anxious and that a panic attack can set in if he does not calm down quickly. Thus, as soon as these symptoms are identified by the person himself or by those around him, one should do everything possible to control emotions and have positive thoughts to prevent other symptoms from settling.
The symptoms of panic syndrome can arise when the person goes through moments of greater anxiety and tension, becoming concerned with situations that may seem simple to solve for other people.
Panic syndrome symptoms test
The signs and symptoms of a panic attack usually last between 5 to 20 minutes and may vary according to the severity of the attack. If you think you have or may have had a panic attack, check the symptoms on the following test:
- 1. Increased heartbeat or palpitations Yes No
- 2. Chest pain, with a feeling of "tightness" Yes No
- 3. Feeling of shortness of breath Yes No
- 4. Feeling weak or faint Yes No
- 5. Tingling of the hands Yes No
- 6. Feeling of terror or imminent danger Yes No
- 7. Feeling of heat and cold sweat Yes No
- 8. Fear of dying Yes No
In addition, it is possible that during a panic syndrome crisis other symptoms may arise such as:
- Dizziness; Tremors; Chills; Dry mouth; Willingness to go to the bathroom; Ringing in the ears; Feeling of loss of control over oneself.
These symptoms appear suddenly and anywhere, for no apparent reason to justify the crisis, so it is common for people to have a constant fear of new crises and, therefore, avoid places where they experience previous panic attacks..
Although some symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack, the panic attack does not cause physical damage to the body, only affecting the patient's psychological health. During the attack, fear of dying or suffering a heart attack is common, but after some experiences and with the help of psychotherapy treatment, most people with this disease start to recognize the signs of the crisis and manage to control it. early on.
What to do
During a panic attack, it is possible to use some techniques to control the situation, such as:
- Stay in the place of the crisis until it passes, as the lack of control over oneself can cause accidents, especially if the attack arises while driving; Remember that the attack is fleeting and that the feeling of extreme fear and physical symptoms will soon pass. To help, focus on objects and thoughts that distract attention from panic, such as watching the hands of the clock or a product in a store; Breathe deeply and slowly, counting up to 3 to inhale and 3 more to exhale the air, as this will help control your breathing and decrease the feeling of anxiety and panic; Facing fear, trying to identify what caused the attack and remembering that the fear is not real, as the symptoms will soon pass; Thinking or imagining good things, remembering good places, people or events from the past that bring a sense of calm and peace. Avoid pretending that it is nothing, as trying to follow normal activities can make the crisis worse. So, one should sit down and face the symptoms, always thinking that they are passengers and that nothing serious will happen.
One or more of these tips should be used during the crisis, as they will help to reduce fear and make the symptoms disappear more quickly. In addition, breathing techniques and natural treatments can be used to prevent panic attacks, such as Yoga and aromatherapy. Discover other forms of natural treatment for panic syndrome.
How to help a person in a panic attack
To help someone who is experiencing a panic attack, it is important to remain calm and take them to a peaceful environment, speaking short phrases and simple instructions. If the patient usually takes medication for anxiety, the medicine should be given carefully, avoiding sudden gestures. To decrease symptoms, strategies such as asking to breathe slowly together and doing simple tasks, such as stretching your arms over your head, should also be used. Find out more about what to do during a panic attack.
