The Consequences of Severe Panic Attacks

Panic attacks often occur because of extreme anxiety. One theory behind this suggests that when a person is overly anxious, their brains trigger the fight, fright, or flight response. Since there is no observable need for fight or flight, it send fright signals to the body, helping it release this anxiety, which comes out in the form of an attack.

Severe panic attacks are very frightening, and can in fact cause more anxiety. It is the kind of attack that can lead to panic disorder. A severe attack usually lasts longer than the average, and often, the number of attacks experienced at one time are more than the average. For example, an attack that last 20 minutes can be considered severe, while a series or succession of shorter attacks can be considered severe as well.

Any type of panic attack needs immediate attention, even more so if it is considered a severe. Long or frequent attacks can be detrimental to the person's health. Not only will it cripple them emotionally and psychologically, lowering their quality of life, but it can also affect their physical health since attack symptoms puts stress on the body's systems.

Because severe panic attacks trigger many reactions in the body, such as a racing heartbeat and staggered breathing, it can over-exercise certain organs. In the case of the heart, a series of rapid beats followed by slower beats then followed by rapid beats again (which happens when a series of attacks occur) can weaken the heart. Constant staggered breathing can prevent the body from getting all the oxygen it needs, making the person feel dizzy, which can trigger yet another attack. There are several other health problems related to severe attacks. The two just mentioned are the two most common in terms of physical health.

Lowered physical health can also lead to other physical health problems. Sometimes the physical health problem stems from other factors or facets of panic disorder. For example, panic symptoms can sometimes lead to depression and substance abuse. These can lead to more health problems that the person had to begin with. These compounding problems often further depresses the person, causing more panic, and poorer emotional and psychological health.

Those who have had a severe panic attack or continue having severe attacks on a regular basis should see a doctor, both for their physical health and for their psychological well being. Addressing the issues and stressors that are triggering the attacks can not only free the person from debilitating panic, but it will also make sure their bodies stay healthy for longer.

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