Panic attacks are incredibly distressing. And the fact that they often strike out of nowhere can leave you feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and worried about when the next one will happen.
The good news? You have the power to manage your anxiety and the panic attacks that come along with it. Our team of psychiatrists and psychotherapists at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates offers therapy and medication management for anxiety disorders and panic attacks, and we believe effective treatment starts with better understanding.
Learning the warning signs of panic attacks can help you feel more in control, so you can navigate the episodes more effectively. Here are three of the most common warning signs to watch for.
One of the most common warning signs of an oncoming panic attack is a sudden surge of intense anxiety. This anxiety typically feels overwhelming and disproportionate to the situation at hand.
You might experience racing thoughts, a sense of impending doom, or feel as though you’re losing control. Such intense anxiety can come on quickly and without any obvious trigger, making it difficult to predict or prevent.
Sometimes, people mistake this overwhelming anxiety as a sign of something more serious, like a heart attack. But it's important to recognize that it’s a hallmark of a panic attack — and if you can identify it, you can take steps to manage it before it escalates.
Another warning sign of an oncoming panic attack is experiencing physical symptoms that materialize without a clear cause. These can include:
Your heart might start to race, even if you don’t change your activity level. It can feel like it’s pounding in your chest and make it hard to catch your breath. Sometimes, shortness of breath can lead to hyperventilation or feelings of suffocation.
You might start sweating profusely, even if you’re not exerting yourself or feeling hot. Your hands, legs, or entire body may start to tremble uncontrollably, and it’s not uncommon to feel faint or unsteady on your feet.
These physical symptoms can be frightening, but recognizing them as signs of a panic attack can help you remain calm and take steps to manage them.
Along with overwhelming anxiety and physical symptoms, panic attacks can bring significant emotional and cognitive changes. You might feel disconnected from your surroundings, like you’re in a dream or not fully present in your body. This sensation is known as derealization or depersonalization.
You may experience sudden, intense fears about situations or objects that aren’t typically threatening, or you might develop a fear that you’re going crazy or losing control of your mind and body.
These emotional and cognitive changes can be disorienting, but recognizing them as part of a panic attack can help you stay grounded and seek appropriate help.
Panic attacks are scary, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Learning to recognize the warning signs is one of the best ways to start managing your anxiety, and our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates is here to help.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for treating panic attacks. CBT helps you identify and change the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. Through therapy, you can learn coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage your symptoms and reduce the frequency and intensity of your panic attacks.
In some cases, we may also recommend medication to manage panic attacks. Anti-anxiety medications can provide quick relief during a panic attack, while antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help reduce overall anxiety levels and prevent panic attacks from occurring.
We take a combined approach with our patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that improves their quality of life. A combination of psychotherapy and medication management can often address your unique needs and help you regain control over your life.
If you’re struggling with panic attacks, it’s time to consider reaching out for support and guidance. Book an appointment at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates to get started today.
