Different types of panic attacks??

[Ella_Jayne]

I had my first panic attack about four months ago. Since then I've had quite a lot of them but some seem different to the others.

The first one I had came out of nowhere. My heart started racing, I felt like I was about to faint, I tried to run away, I had hot flushes and so on...

Since then I've had ones that have been a bit different. All of a sudden I get this rush in my chest and head, like a warm rush which immediately makes me feel faint, my eyes start to see stars and I feel at any given moment that I'm going to drop dead. Then after a few minutes comes the racing heart and everything else.

I've had the all clear regarding my health but I still think that something is wrong. Is there many different types of panic attacks? Or am I experiencing something else? I'd love to hear about some of your experiences.

Thank You.

[Louize]

My symptoms always varied, sometimes, my heart feels like it has stopped for a few minutes, then within 30mins later i get the pounding heart, or the palpitations... Sometimes i get a dreamy feeling, almost as if im not in reality (de personalisation?), sometimes i get straight away the beating heart - So i think its just different variations of the panic attack - Or maybe because you become more aware of them, you notice things more?

Not got a lot to say, but just wanted to let you know you're not alone in the different types - Hopefully somebody else can give you a more detailed/specific answer!

[mandie]

Hi

Mine are not always exactly the same. The ones you have described are very similar to the ones i have

love mandie x

[ronski]

Hi Ella Jayne

Panic attacks are caused by a sudden out pouring of adrenaline and cortisol due to the fight and flight response. The adrenaline can affect any organs that have cells that can absorb and process that adrenaline to kick start your body into action. So yes they can change but usually the start will feel similar each time but as the attack progresses then other organs will join in specifically the heart, lungs and digestive system.

It is your fears that are driving these attacks and you may need help in recognising that fact. See your doctor and ask for a referral to a CBT Clinical psychologist who specialises in anxiety and associated panic attacks.

[Mazza12]

Hi Ella!
It was a big relieve reading your post because I have very similar different effects very similar to you, especially the warm rushes.
I don't suppose you have the warm rush that goes up the back of your neck?
And one that goes all the way through your body and even feels like you've wet yourself?
I also constantly feel as though I have a hair band on if you know what I mean, but that might just be the meds!!
If you do or anyone else reading this has similar it would be really good to know, it's just good reassurance that I'm not going mad:wacko:

[Anxious_gal]

yes they can all be very different with different symtoms, thats why it can be hard to belive this is a panic attack as it doesn't feel like the last panick attack you had and then you think what if its not just a panic attack!

[Ella_Jayne]

Hi Ella!
It was a big relieve reading your post because I have very similar different effects very similar to you, especially the warm rushes.
I don't suppose you have the warm rush that goes up the back of your neck?
And one that goes all the way through your body and even feels like you've wet yourself?
I also constantly feel as though I have a hair band on if you know what I mean, but that might just be the meds!!
If you do or anyone else reading this has similar it would be really good to know, it's just good reassurance that I'm not going mad:wacko:


Hi Mazza,

Yeah, i get warm rushes up the back of my neck and through my body too.
It's so frustrating 'cause when it happens i always think 'There is noway this could be a panic attack'.

I've experienced so many different symptoms when having the attacks that I don't know how to identify them anymore.
Everytime something 'new' happens I see it as a threat and not a panic attack symptom because i haven't felt it before.

I really don't know how to tell the difference between symptoms and a real threat. So usually, I go with the threat option and wind up in A&E or my docs surgery!!! There has to be some sort of solution out there.

CBT hasn't worked for me, and my doc won't give me regular meds, just Diazepam 'when desperately needed'. :mad:

This time last year, I wasn't even aware about how severe a panic attack can be, and now it's all I seem to think about. :unsure:

[Mazza12]

Ha Ha!! Your so much like me!!! Panic attacks our all think about too!!!
I've come to realise that I've had panic attacks long before I was diagnosed and I've been taking Sertraline for over 2 years now and don't think I'll ever come off them.
They still scare me when they happen and all our different, but I try and remember that I'm only panicing and I get through them a little faster and getting some fresh air always helps too!! :D
Ella I wish you all the best with your panic attacks and most of all I wish you the very best of Christmas and a happy new year. Lol xxx

[Ella_Jayne]

Thanks Mazza!

I wish you the best too. Hopefully there will come a day where our lives will be panic/anxiety free!

I hope you have a great Christmas and an even better New Year. x

[fazman3000]

Mine change weekly but the extreme ones for me are very similar, though when I'm having them I always perceive them as being different 'oh i dont normally feel like this' - terrible thought. I'd imagine most people would say most PA's are different experiences - every day you are in a different time, therefor different state of mind, your diet and anything you ingest on that day will have an effect on your perception. Along side any thoughts that crop up during the day.

The thought getting me through right now 'untill I'm staring death in the face why stress about it?' you will know if you're terminally ill/have a life threatening illness. You really will - there will be no uncertainty. Next attack you have (and I hope you dont have one), question all your symptoms individually. When you scan yourself with a rational mind you'll be surprised how little is actually wrong with you..

[hypnogood]

It is really scary when the attack happens,and you do feel like your gonna die, but I can assure you,you can't and won't die from it, the worst that could happen is you'll pass out! Panic attacks act differently in most people. These are just your panic attack symptoms.