When Anxiety Takes Over: Recognizing the Signs of Panic
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain, even when there's no actual danger. While some people may only experience a panic attack during high stress, frequent and unexpected attacks may be a sign of panic disorder. Panic disorder is an anxiety condition characterized by recurring panic attacks and persistent fear of future episodes. These attacks can happen anytime, even during sleep, and may lead individuals to avoid certain places or activities out of fear, which can seriously impact daily life. Though not life threatening panic disorder can be highly disruptive. It often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, and is more common in women. However, with the right treatment, most people with a panic disorder can successfully manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Panic attacks can be extremely dist...