It can happen anytime, anywhere. When you're alone. With others. At home. In public. Wakening you from a sound sleep. Suddenly, your heart begins to race, your face flushes and you experience shortness of breath. You feel dizzy, nauseated, out of control. Some people even feel like they're dying.
You may have experienced a panic attack — a sudden episode of intense fear that prompts physical reactions in your body. Many people, thinking they're having a heart attack, go to the emergency room. Others try to ignore the signs and symptoms, not realizing that they're experiencing a panic attack.
Although panic attacks were once dismissed as nerves or stress, they're now recognized as a potentially disabling but treatable condition. Approximately 2.4 million American adults experience a panic attack each year. Women are twice as likely as men to have panic attacks.
A variety of approaches, including medications, therapy and relaxation techniques, can help you control or prevent panic attacks.
