SYMPTOMS ..PANIC ATTACKS

1. Rapid heartbeat and sensation of a racing heart.

A panic attack sufferer often experiences a rapid heart rate during an acute panic attack. This sometimes leads her to believe she's having a heart attack and it's not uncommon for a panic attack sufferer to present to the emergency room for this reason.

2. Shortness or breath.

A person suffering from a panic attack often experiences a sensation of being short of breath and unable to breathe deeply. This can also be associated with rapid breathing. This rapid breathing experienced during a panic attack is known as hyperventilation syndrome which can lead to alterations in blood chemistry that lead to other panic attack symptoms such as lightheadedness and tingling in the hands and feet. Sometimes breathing into a paper bag can stop the hyperventilation syndrome and help the victim feel calmer.

3. Lightheadedness and dizziness.

These symptoms are commonly experienced during a panic attack and can result from the hyperventilation syndrome previously discussed. Again, breathing into a paper bag may help alleviate this panic attack symptom.

4. Temperature imbalances.

The panic attack sufferer may experience a sweating, hot flashes, or chills.

5. An overwhelming sense of terror.

This is very common during an acute panic attack. The victim often feels as if something catastrophic is about to happen to her or that she's going to die. This can be the most distressing panic attack symptom of all, as you can imagine!

6. A sensation of loss of control.