Panic

Panic is a sudden sensation of fear, which is so strong as to dominate or prevent reason and logical thinking, replacing it with overwhelming feelings of anxiety and frantic agitation consistent with an animalistic fight-or-flight reaction. Panic may occur singularly in individuals or manifest suddenly in large groups as mass panic (c.f. herd behavior).

Causes

The causes of panic attacks are not clearly understood. Many medical and psychological conditions can cause symptoms similar to those described as panic attacks. Most people with panic attacks experience them as part of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Panic attacks can also occur in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobic disorders.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a panic attack can include rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, hot flashes, and lightheadedness—as well as a sense of impending doom, chills, nausea, abdominal pain, chest pain, headache, and numbness or tingling.

Treatment

Treatment options include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications. There is evidence that suggests that this combination — therapy and medication — is more effective than either one alone.

See also

• Anxiety disorder
• Fear
• Phobia

References

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Panic

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  The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals
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  Run on the Seamen's Savings' Bank during the Panic of 1857