*Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
*Feelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)
*Fear of losing control or going crazy
*Fear of dying
*Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias)
*Chills or hot flushes
A limited-symptom panic attack is diagnosed if less than four of the above symptoms are present.
What about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD is considered a type of anxiety disorder that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The fearful feelings associated with PTSD overlap the feelings one experiences with Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorders.
Symptoms of PTSD include many of the same symptoms we see in GAD and Panic Disorder, such as:
*Sleep pattern disturbances
*Irritability
*Angry outbursts
*Difficulty concentrating
*Emotional numbness
*Hypervigilance
*Feeling jumpy or easily startled
As you can see, the above psychological and physiological symptoms are identical to those of GAD and Panic Disorders.
The real difference between these other two disorders and PTSD is that it’s common for PTSD sufferers to become triggered by events, places or objects, which results in a re-living of the original trauma through flashbacks, hallucinations and nightmares.
When triggered, the PTSD sufferer may develop a pattern of avoiding people and places that are associated with the trauma.
To confuse matters, avoidant behavior can be seen in those suffering GAD or Panic Disorders. However, those with GAD or Panic Disorders may avoid people or places at which anxiety or panic was previously experienced causing the GAD or Panic Disorder sufferer to avoid specific places and situations for fear of triggering more anxiety or panic.
While many symptoms of GAD and Panic Disorder overlap, PTSD symptoms generally include the following:
*Resistance to talk about, think about or feel anything related to the trauma
*Avoiding places, activities and people that trigger memories of the trauma
*Difficulty recalling details about the event or events
*Avoiding activities that used to be enjoyable
*Feeling cut-off, isolated and detached from others
*Decreased interest in activities
*A feeling of numbness and a flatness of emotions
*Difficulty feeling positive feelings
*Overwhelming negative affect
*Believing that a normal future, life or lifespan is not possible
*Risky or destructive behavior
*Irritability or aggression
*Negative self-image, self-blame and guilt.
*Heightened startle response
*Hypervigilence
*Difficulty concentrating
*Difficulty sleeping