Panic attacks or sudden intense fear
Overview
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety that occur without warning and peak within minutes. These episodes involve overwhelming physical and emotional symptoms including rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom.
Common Causes
Common causes include high stress levels, excessive caffeine intake, lack of sleep, and major life changes or transitions. Certain medications, hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or menopause, and underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders can also trigger these episodes. Additionally, avoiding situations that make you anxious can actually make the fear response stronger over time.
Severity Levels
Mild: Brief episodes of intense worry with some physical discomfort that pass quickly and don't significantly disrupt your daily routine. You may feel unsettled but can usually continue with your activities.
Moderate: More frequent episodes that cause noticeable distress and may interfere with work, social activities, or daily tasks. You might start avoiding certain situations or need time to recover after an episode.
Severe: Frequent, overwhelming episodes that significantly impact your ability to function normally. You may avoid many situations, have difficulty leaving home, or feel constantly worried about when the next episode will occur.
Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing that doesn't improve, or feel like you might harm yourself. Contact a healthcare provider if episodes occur frequently, interfere with daily activities, or cause you to avoid normal situations. If this is your first episode or symptoms are severe and unfamiliar, it's important to get evaluated to rule out other medical conditions.
4k+ Collection Centres
90k+ Biomarkers Tested
Early Detection