How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack -Dos and Don'ts

Dos and Don'ts

Panic attack and anxiety attack are mental ailments that can affect a person, at times by even occurring suddenly and disrupting their well-being and state of mind. Panic attack and anxiety attack both fall under the group of Anxiety Disorders.

Panic attack and anxiety attack are mental ailments that can affect a person, at times by even occurring suddenly and disrupting their well-being and state of mind. Panic attack and anxiety attack both fall under the group of Anxiety Disorders.

Panic Attack

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear brought on by real or imagined danger and can cause a severe physical reaction. While anyone can have a panic attack, it becomes noteworthy when you have more than one as it might be a sign of panic disorder.

The symptoms of a panic attack are as follows:

• A rapid and often sudden increase in heart rate

• Chest pain

• Lightheadedness and dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Chills

• Hot flushes

• Nausea

• Numbness and tingling sensation

• Stomach pain

Depending on the severity of the attack, people may also experience:

• Loss of control

• Fear of death

• A feeling of detachment from the surroundings

While a panic attack can last from 5 to 20 minutes, the duration may seem longer if they occur one after the other without any relief. Aftereffects of a panic attack include feelings of unease and stress.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorises panic attacks under anxiety disorders and specifies that panic attacks can also accompany other mental diseases and conditions.