Understanding Panic Attacks

In the United States, 2.4 million people (1.7% of the adult population between the ages of 18 and 54) have panic disorder.  Women are twice as likely as men to have it, and symptoms usually begin in early adulthood.
The attacks are generally brief (10 minutes or less) and involve sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning.  There can be the following symptoms:

• "racing" heart
• feeling faint, weak or dizzy
• tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
• sense of terror, impending doom or death
• sweating, chills
• chest pains, imitating having a heart attack
• difficulty breathing
• feeling a loss of control

The disorder is manageable.  Psychotherapy and medication have been used.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309