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Symptoms |
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Palpitations, pounding heart or rapid heart rate
Sweating
Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
Chest pain or discomfort
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint
Fear of losing control, dying or going crazy
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When to See the Doctor
If you have repeated panic attacks or find your attacks interfere with how well you live your life, see a doctor as soon as possible. Examples of how panic disorders can interfere with your quality of life include the development of phobias. In some cases, fear of having a panic attack can lead to agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces. Some people are so afraid of having an attack that they do not want to go outdoors, fearing that if they leave the house a panic attack will occur.
Fear of having a panic attack may not cause something as extreme as agoraphobia, but other problems can occur. Left untreated, your panic attacks can endanger your quality of life and lead to the following:
- More time in the emergency room.
- Less time engaged in your favorite activities.
- Financial dependence on others.
- Feeling emotionally and physically unhealthy.
- Fear of driving far from home.
- Abuse of alcohol and drugs.
- Attempting suicide.
More on Panic Disorder Is Online Therapy for You?
Types of Psychotherapy
Who Can I Talk to?
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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