In the throes of a panic attack

"I am having anxiety attacks, will I die or go crazy?" This is the most common question people having anxiety attacks ask me. The truth is, one never dies or go crazy as a result of anxiety attacks.

An anxiety attack can be frightening and distressing. During an anxiety attack, an individual feels his heart racing, experiences shortness of breath, chest pains or a choking sensation. Some persons experience light-headedness and think that they are going crazy or going to die.

These symptoms or feelings arise as the body produces a chemical called adrenaline. Adrenaline prepares the body to act when faced with danger.

Adrenaline allows the heart to pump the blood faster, and the muscles, lungs, and other organs to work better when faced with danger. As the blood flows in the head the individual gets the sensation of light-headedness.

'I am going to die'

In panic attacks (or anxiety attack), individuals suddenly feel the heart racing, or experience chest pain and shortness of breath. They respond to this by thinking, "I am going to die or I am having a heart attack".

In response to this thought, they panic, making the anxiety reaction worse. They begin to breathe faster and the heart races even more and eventually they lose control of their body.

People who get these panic or anxiety attacks live with the fear of getting another attack. They simply panic when they get a panic attack. Because the panic attacks are so distressing and uncomfortable, they generate a lot of fear.

Affected individuals then become fearful of leaving their homes alone or to venture out into public places such as the shopping mall or the market as they fear they may have an attack. They fear being embarrassed or humiliated if others see them having this frightening experience.

Other persons are afraid of getting attacks in situations where they are alone and there is no one to help them such as in an elevator, building or in car.

Crippling attacks

Panic attacks and the fear of having one prevents people from leaving their home, from going to work and socialising. Sometimes panic attacks take a toll on relationship and prevent persons from functioning sexually or having a stable relationship. Many persons have reported the break-up of relationships as a result of panic attacks.

Next week, I will look at conquering panic attacks with some practical tips and advice. Contact us if you or someone you know suffer from panic attacks.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.