Question:
I recently had my first (and hopefully only) panic attack. I thought I
had been through one before, but after reading descriptions I realize
I had only had bouts of intense anxiety before. So, after reading
through some articles on the web I have a few questions for 'yall...
Almost everything I've read talks about syndromes and conditions that
pre exist, etc, etc.
I feel I'm pretty in touch with my state of mind and being, and my
panic attack came very abruptly and for no apparent reason. I was with
two close friends at the time and became absolutely histerical for
about 15 minutes. This came as much of a suprise to them as it did to
me. I'm very active, have little stress in my life, and am the
furthest thing from depressed right now (I know these things aren't
one in the same, but often can be connected).
Basically, this is my question: Is it uncommon for a full on panic
attack (had it lasted longer it would have required medical attention)
to occur with no prior mental disturbances and then immediately after
the event, have the person return to relative normality? I'm not
really able to sum this up with one question. Basically, I would have
never thought of seeking therapy for any reason a week ago, and all
things considered I feel just fine right now. But obviously something
is not right in my head, as I was able to reach a state of complete an
utter hysteria, have no memory of what happened while I was in that
state, and then feel fine the next day. Anyway, I'm going to a psych
in the near future, but wanted to see if the general usenet community
had heard of anything like this...
Answer:
Your story sounds familiar. You may have some deep rooted or unconscious
issues or you may not. Best thing to do is inform yourself as much as
possible (sounds like you're already doing that) about the disorder and
see a qualified therapist. How long has it been since your last
physcial? Wouldn't hurt to get checked out my a GP...this can rule out
any physical problems (people with thyroid problems have panic like
symptoms).
Just to reassure you, your story sounds like most. These things can come
out of the blue, and then you can be fine afterwards with little
recollection of the incident.
Things you may want to ponder: were you experiencing any type of
pressure at the time of the attack? Any issues in your life that may be
nagging or worrisome? Work? Family? Even things you may feel are not
overwhelming can have some hidden anxiety provokers. Perhaps cumulative
anxiety reached a boiling point and resulted in the panic attack.
How the panic came about is pretty much *normal.* Are you in your late teens
or twenties? This seems to be the age group where people are most likely to
have a first panic attack. For your sake I do hope it was a single isolated
event.
For me the first panic attack like yours was entirely out of the blue on an
otherwise normal day, it lasted about 15 minutes and then I was pretty much
back to normal. I'd say that it is realatively normal for panic to hit out of
the blue without any previous mental health issues.
I'd agree with what John said, he is a wise man. Do get your thyroid checked,
and if that comes back okay do seek out help from a psych.
Do you have a family history of anxiety disorders? This can contribute, but is
often something that people don't talk about, it may be worth it to ask.
It's common, actually. Most people have a panic attack or two at some point in
their life. Most never have any more. I've been called by friends who are aware
of my panic - and they've called after just having a panic attack, wondering.
I'll say the same to you as I did to them. Just forget about it - it happens. If
it continues, and you have repeated attacks, "then" that will be another story,
but it's not likely to be the case.
Seeing as you have no memory of what happened, I'd suggest getting a complete
physical exam - not seeing a psych doc. It could have been some limited seizure,
for another reason. Might have been dozens of things that could have resulted in
what occurred. Physical first, because you need to check that black out aspect.
IF you continue to have attacks as you did - the first step is STILL to get a
complete physical exam, seeing as there are many other conditions that can mimic
panic or panic symptoms. Find that out first.
If nothing - then I'd look into the panic as a classic out of the blue panic
attack - which will then continue. It hasn't so far, but to educate yourself, in
case they do, check out:
http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/panicdisorder/index.htm
http://www.mentalhealth.com/
http://www.cognitivetherapy.com/
http://www.rebt.org/
My very first attack was at age 29, with no prior problems in this area what so
ever. Those who called me were around the same age - or a bit older. I have
panic disorder - they don't. I continued to have attacks - while still feeling I
was minding my own business, and "not" worrying about another attack.
They may or may not have been worried about it - but didn't have further
attacks.
So it goes...might be a one time thing, with nothing further.
might be the beginning of more attacks, for whatever reason
might be a physical condition that needs to be checked and treated
might be an anxiety disorder...
Begin at the beginning and get checked out physically....
