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Almost everyone feels anxious at times, but a panic attack involves
such a high level of anxiety that it can feel as if you are having
a heart attack, going insane or losing control of yourself. During
a panic attack, you may have physical symptoms such as shortness
of breath, tingling sensations, ringing in your ears, a sense of
impending doom, trembling, a feeling of choking, chest pain, sweating
and heart pounding.
If you have panic attacks, you should first see your physician
to rule out any medical causes for these symptoms, such as cardiac
problems, caffeine addiction, hyperthyroidism or other causes. A
panic attack can produce the same physical symptoms as these medical
conditions.
When a person has recurring, unexpected panic attacks, is afraid
of having more and makes changes in his or her behavior as a result,
the person is said to have "Panic Disorder.” In addition,
people with Panic Disorder often avoid certain places (supermarkets,
theatres) or activities (driving, riding on public transportation).
This condition is known as Agoraphobia. Although Panic Disorder
and Agoraphobia are serious conditions, the good news is that there
are very effective treatments available.
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