Panic attacks are a sudden and intense surge of fear and anxiety that is increasing in our young adult population today. We hear ever increasing stories of young adults in different transition phases of life starting to suffer from these anxiety related episodes. They can happen in class, while boarding a plane, when you’re out to lunch, sitting alone in your room, or even driving a car to name a few. Panic attacks can be a single episode or can be a string of ongoing episodes. Usually, with a string of constant episodic panic attacks, the condition can progress into full-blown panic disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Panic Attacks can Include but Aren’t Limited to:
- Sweating
- Nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Racing heart or heart palpitations
- A choking or gasping feeling
- Shaking and body tremors
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or faint
- Hot and cold flashes
The signs and symptoms of a panic attack can last from 10 to 30-minutes and sometimes up to an hour. Panic disorders is an increased fear of panic attacks, enhanced episodes of panic attacks and a change in behaviors and avoidance of situations due to the fear and attacks they are suffering.
At LEAD Recovery Center our therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a method to treat and address both panic attacks and panic disorders in both our residential and outpatient settings. Our psychiatrist will meet individually with each client to address medication issues and concerns.
