Panic Attack Definition
Before we get to the panic attack definition, let us try to understand what is the simple panic definition.
Panic is described as a sudden strong feeling of fear. Such a sudden feeling would prevent the person from reasonable thought or action.
Let us analyze that description. The preconditions of fear are that it must be sudden and strong. For a If such sudden and strong fear stops the mind from processing reason whether in thought or in action.
Accordingly panic in its simple and normal form is when we are thinking and/or acting unreasonably to a situation that has made us feel suddenly frightened.
Until now things are normal, and each single one of us must have experienced such a situation of panic.
Now let us see what is a panic attack definition. A panic attack has been described as a sudden and intense fear that is developed for no apparent reason which triggers severe physical reactions.
Before we start analyzing those two definitions, let us look at this video that we brought to you that looks closely at what is a simple panic. The language used is very foul and I would say rated 18+ for language, but with very simple and foul language it actually explains simple panic plainly.
This next video explains panic attack and with completing both videos you will be able to clearly understand the difference between both explanations and panic definitions. Here it is:
We can see that the precondition for a panic attack and a simple panic is the same when it comes to "sudden" and "strong=intense."
The first difference that we can realize between both definitions is that we panic in most cases for what is commonly perceived as an apparent reason. The panic attack on the other hand, is triggered for what is commonly perceived as no apparent reason.
The other explanation for the difference could be within the evaluation itself of what is an apparent reason. Let us say that two people where presented with the same environment. One just panicked and the other was hit by a panic attack.
Because the reaction of the first was a simple panic, we might perceive the situation as something that would make a person panic a bit. But when we see that the reaction of the second person as a panic attack, we would say that there was nothing around that would make a person freak out like this.
Our concern with the definition of a panic attack, which is very similar if not the same sometimes to anxiety, is that individual perception and evaluation of the situation plays a big role in defining whether the reason behind the attack is real/apparent or not.
The second difference between a simple panic and a panic attack definition is the reaction or behavior of the person under panic. In a simple panic we would just see that the person is speaking and acting in an unreasonable manner. This is when we say that a person is not thinking straight.
With a panic attack there would be evident physical symptoms if not to the surrounding people at least to the person who is experiencing such an attack. Increased heart rate, difficulty of swallowing, sweating and cold and hot flashes are only some of things that a person can feel when under a panic attack.
If the reason behind a panic attack is not real, we have to understand that the panic attack itself is very real.
Panic attack under anxiety DSM IV is categorized under anxiety disorders and it is a serious disorder that we must pay attention to and treat.
We will continually introduce material for you to better understand what is Anxiety. We will continue our research and bring you more information to cover as many aspects as possible of anxiety. Meanwhile you can check the list of materials and tools that we gathered for you to tackle and solve anxiety for yourself and others at our Anxiety Centre.
Mail this post
Recent Comments
I am a mom of a 12year old He has had agoraphobia since he w...
On that point is evidently a good deal to read about the top...
How critical would you say it can be to have a blog related ...
Thanks for spreading the word about this....
This one frustrates me so much cause it keeps deflating even...