Pan·ic At·tack

/ˈpanik əˌtak/
noun
a sudden feeling of acute and disabling anxiety.

Giselle Aguilar-Rivera
What are panic attacks?

A sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety and physical symptoms, based on a

perceived threat rather imminent danger.

Fight or flight response, except worse…

a sudden urge of overwhelming anxiety and fear that occurs anywhere at any time
Symptoms of an attack

● Palpitations, pounding heart, or ● Nausea or abdominal distress

accelerated heart rate
● Feeling dizzy or light headed
● Sweating
● Trembling/shaking ● Chills or heat sensations
● Sensations of shortness of breath or ● Paresthesia
smothering
● Derealization
● Feelings of choking
● Chest pain/discomfort ● Depersonalization
Do’s & Don’ts of Assisting w/Panic Attacks
DO DON’T
● Seek medical attention ● Panic
● Make sure individual experiencing ● Touch the individual who is
attack is breathing. experiencing attack without
● If individual falls unconscious, lay consent
them down. ● Leave the individual alone
● Ask grounding questions
● Ask if individual is okay with being
touched.
Panic Attacks vs Anxiety Attacks

An anxiety attack, people may feel fearful, apprehensive, may feel their heart racing
or feel short of breath, but it's very short lived, and when the stressor goes away, so
does the anxiety attack.

Panic attack on the other hand doesn't come in reaction to a stressor. It's
unprovoked and unpredictable. And during a panic attack the individual is seized
with terror, fear, or apprehension. They may feel that they're going to die, or lose
control or have a heart attack.
Who does it affect?

● Women-Like most anxiety disorders, women are twice as likely as men to

experience panic disorder
● Young adults-Panic disorders usually appear in mid twenties but can happen at
any age. ¾ of people w/panic disorders experience it before the age of 33. It
exists in kids but often not diagnosed until they’re older
● People with chronic illness-¾ of people report having at least one other
diagnosed chronic physical or mental illness
● Family history-People with family history are at greater risk for developing
panic disorder.
United States Statistics

In adults: an estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults had a panic disorder - higher for females
(3.8%) than males (1.6%)

18-35; 37% - 35-64:60 %

Married? 51%

Divorced? 24%

Attempted suicide: 20%