Panic Attacks

Panic attacks

Most (but not all) people with agoraphobia experience frequent panic attacks. A panic attack is period of intense fear, usually lasting about ten minutes or so (but sometimes longer), in which you have at least four of the following symptoms:

palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
sweating
trembling or shaking
sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
feeling of choking
chest pain or discomfort
nausea or abdominal distress
feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
fear of losing control or going crazy
fear of dying
numbness or tingling sensations
chills or hot flashes

It should probably go without saying that panic attacks are a torturous emotional and physical experience. Most people who have a panic attack even once will go to any length to avoid having another one. You have agoraphobia when you start avoiding too many places to avoid having a panic attack.

Article Source: http://www.agoraphobia.net

Stephen Price is a recovered agoraphobic with a master’s degree in psychology. He has an informational website on agoraphobia with a free newsletter. It is found on the web at www.agoraphobia.ws

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