A 34-year-old member asked:
is there a specific medical meaning of panic attack?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Susan Uhrich answered
Psychiatry 36 years experience
Yes: A panic attack involves the sudden onset of intense physical and cognitive symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, rapid breathing, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom.
5970 views
Dr. Arthur Hoffman answered
Psychiatry 57 years experience
Yes and no: The ''yes'' is the description of the individual's subjective response of an overwhelming, acute sense of anxiety. The precipitant-vs. Cause-is social or more to the cause, interpersonal.
Tho the''quick tx.'' is several week(s) of the ssri now available in generic form. Try paroxetine first. Do explain the noisome side effects. Ptht. Rel. Imp. If a switch to 2nd ssri, look to dev. Factor.
5970 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 43-year-old member asked:
Is there a medical explanation for why panic attacks happen?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Hoffman answered
Psychiatry 57 years experience
Possibly: Certainly the pathological production of several hormones can lead to episodes of anxiety; however, if an excellent physical exam with appropriate lab exams comes up normal, then an equally expert psychiatric evaluation should be the next step. The underlying cause can go from circumstantial to complex - and to be considered toward the ''serious'' range.
5938 views
Beverly Hills, CA
A 21-year-old male asked about a 28-year-old male:
My friend gets panic attacks when anything medical related comes up/if he feels something's wrong, but refuses to see a dr because he don't want pills?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Austina Cho answered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Doesn't have to take: He doesn't have to take pills in order to see a doctor. There are other treatments for these symptoms besides medicines including cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation and meditation techniques.
4735 views
A 47-year-old member asked:
I don't know if I am having panic attacks , or if I have a more serious medical issue?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappas answered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
Need evaluation: Differentiating panic attacks from other medical problems is possible through a careful medical evaluation with your primary care physician. S/he will take your full history, examine you, and do diagnostic tests including ekg and others. It's possible to have panic attacks and other medical problems -- and all would need treatment. Panic can be successfully treated with medications and therapy.
4667 views
LA
A 16-year-old male asked:
I have panic attacks often. It feels like im dying. Got a full medical workup last year. How can I tell from panic attack or something serious?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bernard Seif answered
Clinical Psychology 40 years experience
If your doc: Has ruled out a medical condition please see a mental health professional who treats panic attacks. This is a treatable condition and there are lots of strategies available to help you. Peace and good health.
4208 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.