Panic Attacks Panic attacks are brought on by social situations and activities perceived to be a threat to the person. The attack may be the person's first or they may have had an number of attacks before, attacks may recur repeatedly and rapidly, however; once these symptoms abate, moderate to severe anxiety may last for many hours.

Symptoms

•  Shortness of breath with rapid breathing (or smothering sensations).
•  Dizziness, unsteady feelings, or faintness.
•  Palpitations or accelerated heart rate ( feeling ones own heartbeat ).
•  Trembling or shaking.
•  Sweating.
•  Choking.
•  Nausea or abdominal distress.
•  Depersonalization or de-realization.
•  Numbness or tingling sensations ( pins and needles in the arms / legs).
•  Flushes (hot flashes) or chills.
•  Chest pain or discomfort. ( Normally this is not a heart attack, but if chest pain persists have it checked out by a Doctor ).
•  Fear of dying.
•  Fear of going crazy or doing something uncontrolled.

Treatment

•  Avoid becoming caught up in the panic  (remain calm )
•  Make direct eye contact, and speak clearly and slowly.
•  Identify yourself if you're not known to the person.
•  Give short clear instructions.
•  Make calming gestures.
•  Allow the casualty some space ( don't crowd them in )
•  Minimize embarrassment and avoid an audience.
•  Get them to sit down, if they aren't already.
•  Sit with them at eye level
•  Encourage them to breathe normally. ( talk them through the breathing cycle )
•  Inhale, take in long slow deep breath. ( breathe with them )
•  Hold breath for +1 seconds.
•  Exhale slowly, ( pucker your lips like you're going to kiss )
•  Tell them to relax in a clam voice, just before they reach the end of exhalation.
•  Start a new breathing cycle while telling them how well they are doing.
•  Continue encouraging them to breathe normally.

Try these breathing exercises on yourself first ! ( sitting or lying down )

When you feel you're on top of the situation, organize transport for the person if they want to go home or call an ambulance to take them to hospital. Don't abandon them.

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Does the person suffer bouts of Agoraphobia ?

Anxiety about being in public places or situations from which escape may be difficult (or embarrassing) or they may feel help may not be available in the event of having an unexpected panic attack. Agoraphobic fears typically involve characteristic clusters of situations that include:

•  Being outside the home alone;
•  Being in a crowd or standing in a line;
•  Being on a bridge;
•  Traveling in a bus, train, or car.