Symptoms of Panic Attack

Panic attack has several external symptoms and also intrinsic symptoms. External symptoms are those that are manifested in the bodily reactions, can be made out by appearance, by sudden chance in countenance, change in body language, state of being etc.

Intrinsic changes are those that may be experienced only by the person going through the panic episode and may not be visible to others.

Some signs of panic attack are increased heart beat and palpitations. The person may feel the rate of heart beat and pulse increasing by the moment. There may be a feeling of sudden constriction and restless due to increased heart beat.

There may be shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation. In some cases heavy breathing may occur as the person is feeling short of breath. Rapid breathing may take place or the person may take slow deep breaths to bring his palpitations and breathing rhythm under control.

Profuse sweating may be observed in some people. For example, they may sweat in a room that is even fully air conditioned. There may be hot flashes. Sudden body temperature alterations may be observed.

Black out and disorientation may be experienced. A person may temporarily lose track of what is happening, disconnect completely with his/her line of thought, may not recollect what he/she is saying, and may feel very hassled and lost. Contrary to that, a high state of mental alertness, agility, vigilant mood or feeling of dread that something wrong is going to happen may also be prevalent.

From the facial expressions of the person, it will be evident that he/she is feeling disorientated, there may be a look of fear, strain, confusion, panic. The face may have a very dull and pale appearance, it may turn completely white and pale and appear flushed.

A person may feel like he/she is out of his/her body; giddiness, nausea, unconsciousness, light headedness may also occur.