The average person will experience at least one panic attack throughout their lifetime. Generally speaking panic attacks are described as the body’s reaction to a stressful situation, or the triggering of the “fight or flight” mechanism. In most people this reaction triggers at the appropriate moments, during times of high stress; for a small number of people this reaction will trigger at random, inappropriate moments; this is known as panic disorder. So what are the main panic attack symptoms? How can you tell if you are having one?

Panic attacks are noted for appearing surprisingly similar to a heart attack. While panic attack symptoms are very similar to those of a heart attack; any doctor will assure you that the two can be distinguished. Most panic attacks are marked with a few common qualities. These include quickness of breathing, increased heart rate, increased body temperature and an overwhelming feeling of dread or fear (panic). Most panic sufferers also experience tightness in their chest, which usually leads them to believe they are having a heart attack. Though any doctor will assure you that this is just another general panic attack symptom; a real heart attack has key symptoms that most are unlikely to ignore.

Other panic attack symptoms include the following: tingling in one or both arms and/or the tips of the fingers, profuse sweating, minor delusions, unfounded fear towards random objects or events, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea. These are just a few less common symptoms related to panic attacks, each varying from person to person. Most chronic panic sufferers tend to have a unique set of symptoms that mark their panic attacks.

The Signs

So how can you tell if you are having a panic attack? Well besides experiencing any combination of the symptoms listed above, there are a few more distinguishing factors behind panic attacks. Panic attacks are very limited in time. The body can only maintain this reaction for, at most, 15 minutes. A person who experiences any combination of the above listed panic attack symptoms would be wise to remember that the feelings will not last very long.

Another major factor of panic attacks is the feeling of anxiety that follows an attack. Most people who experience a panic attack tend to worry about attacks that will follow. This is a natural occurrence, and a good sign that all you experienced was a panic attack. This feeling usually lasts a few days to a week in most people.

However, if this anxiety of having a panic lasts over that time then it may be wise to see a doctor. Prolonged anxiety of panics, especially when more then one panic has occurred, is a sign of panic disorder. In which case the person should seek help with a medical physician, or psychiatric doctor in order to control their attacks.