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Is it considered a panic attack if I do not get any chest cramps or major pain?

21 Answers
Last Updated: 03/30/2020 at 2:18am
Is it considered a panic attack if I do not get any chest cramps or major pain?
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
June 29th, 2015 1:43am
It could still be considered a panic attack even if you don't have those physical symptoms, for example you may feel emotionally trapped and scared.
Anonymous
September 3rd, 2018 11:31am
Panic can take many forms. It is called an 'Attack' because it takes one by surprise and limits one's functions. So, YES, if a person is taken by a Sudden and Unexpected increase in Anxiety, Heart Rate, Rapid Breathing, or even being Frozen, unable to move or talk, while experiencing an irrational (or sometimes totally rational) feeling of fearfulness - That IS a panic attack. Over the course of years it is common for symptoms to change. If a person has bad experiences result from Panic, s/he might find them worsening. Also, if intervention measures are learned and used successfully, the symptoms frequency and duration may begin to subside. What is most important is not the type nor the severity of ones symptoms, but that one is able and willing to confront them and 'manage' them, until they are defeated!
T1137
July 18th, 2016 2:03am
Yes! A panic attack is often associated with high levels of anxiety and/or stress. The signs of a panic attack do not (and often do not) include chest cramps or major pain. Other signs of a panic attack could be rapid breathing, inability to catch your breath, sweating heavily, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, etc. A doctor can help you address whether or not you are experiencing panic attacks and if so, how to treat them.
SirJayalot
March 30th, 2020 2:18am
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder. Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life. But treatment can be very effective. But, Panic attack symptoms can also resemble symptoms of other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, so it's important to get evaluated by your primary care provider if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms.
hopefulWhisper21
January 6th, 2020 6:35am
Panic attacks do not need to include every symptom to be classified as a panic attack. Panic attacks can simply be defined as an overwhelming feeling Of panic that you can not easily shake, luckily on 7 cups there are a lot of listeners available to you whom may have helpful tips for dealing with panic attacks when they come on. One of the key factors into managing a panic attack is to try your best to steady your breathing. This is important because if you are panicking without control over your breath, then the panic of not being able to breathe takes over as well.
Anonymous
December 4th, 2018 3:07am
That is a very good question and it's important to check with a professional to analyze all of your symptoms and determine if what you have experienced is a panic attack. If you've found resources online describing symptoms of a panic attack, it can be a helpful reference, but used with caution. Questionnaires and online resources are useful guides, but it is strongly recommended to rule out other possible explanations. I'd recommend checking with an advice nurse, physician, or mental health professional for an accurate assessment. They will be best suited to assist you with an accurate diagnosis. Hope this information is helpful to you and that you find the answers you seek.
MidnightRaven999
September 24th, 2018 5:52pm
I would say so, not all panic attacks cause great pain or chest tightness, some of them just make you, well, panic. you're heart rate increases and you start shaking, but that doesnt necessarily mean its going to be accompanied by a great deal of pain. Everyone is different, and everyone experiences panic attacks differently as well, so it's probably not that uncommon to experience panic attacks without pain or chest cramps. I'm not a medical professional or a therapist, so i would double check with someone who is an expert in this area, but i would say that experiencing none of the chest aches or pain would still be relatively normal
Anonymous
January 8th, 2018 12:38am
Yes, most people don't experience all of the symptoms of a panic attack, but that doesn't make it any less real. Just breath and find help and support no matter how 'serious' the symptoms may be.
softStar21
February 20th, 2017 5:04am
Yes it is! Everyone reacts to a panic attack differently - there is no set way of symptoms that one should or shouldn't feel. It is important to keep in mind that emotions are often deeply tied to one's previous and/or present experiences, all of which are unique to that individual, and because of that, can lead to different physical expressions of emotion.
Anonymous
November 21st, 2016 7:09am
I don't think that you need to endure an "x" amount of pain in order to experience a panic attack. Panic attacks can occur big or small, and even if they last two minutes, it still happened.
Anonymous
September 12th, 2016 3:32pm
Panic attacks are when your breathing gets faster and faster until you can't stop it, your chest begins hurting, your fingers freeze and becomes numb and stiff. This is due to distress or anxiety.
RhinocerosWings
August 8th, 2016 7:36pm
Chest cramps or major pain? I've been having panic attacks for 30 years, and have never had chest cramps or major pain. I've had at least a dozen doctors tell me they're panic attacks. So I'm going to go with yes, it is considered a panic attack without those symptoms. Of course, you're going to want to speak with a professional to be sure, and to treat them. It's ok; they're there to help.
dhend0
January 11th, 2015 10:35pm
Yes panic attacks come in all sorts of ways, you don't necessarily have to have pain and cramps to be suffering a panic attack, but also consider anxiety attacks... these differ slightly.
YukiSona
July 12th, 2016 4:23am
Yes it is still a panic attack. But some common physical symptoms are sweaty palms, becoming lightheaded, a hot or flushing face, dizziness, and others. Panic attacks are an overwhelming sense of panic, and from my experience pain is not usually a factor. Take care!
Anonymous
March 14th, 2016 10:39am
yes it can be, there can be many signs, for example mine is i stop breathing and get really dizzy. you should always be aware of what your signs are!
blissfulMelody50
January 25th, 2016 8:58pm
Yes. Panic Attacks can be different for everyone. The symtoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience more severe symtoms than others and the other way round.
StayStrong152
August 25th, 2015 7:11am
Panic attacks seem to more commonly be raised heartbeat and difficulty breathing, there is not always chest pain involved.
DipityEnigma
June 5th, 2015 12:16am
Panic attacks have more symptoms than that. A full-blown panic attack includes a combination of the following signs and symptoms: Shortness of breath or hyperventilation. Heart palpitations or a racing heart. Chest pain or discomfort. Trembling or shaking. Choking feeling. Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings. If you're concerned about having panic attacks, go to your GP. They not only have the correct advice but they should know you (health wise) and they're licensed. They'll also have any records of your past health problems and they will be able to give you everything that you need from self-help to medication. In future, you should always go see your GP for any health problems.
Aaron87
May 9th, 2015 6:47am
A panic attack is a very personal experience, everyone experiences it differently and even the most commonly reported symptoms are not always present. If you're worried though the best advice is to seek professional advice because regardless of what it is that's causing you to feel bad you deserve to be happy and free of the experiences you are having.
thedancerwithin
April 26th, 2015 6:51am
A panic attack has many symptoms and chest cramps or major pains are just one of the few. You don't necessarily need those two particular symptoms to have a panic attack. Other symptoms include sweaty palms, dizziness, feelings of imminent death, hyperventilation, you might feel disoriented, trembling etc. The best way to find out would be to talk to a professional, or for a start, you could check out the self-help guide on this website.
Anonymous
January 14th, 2015 1:40am
Yes, it sure can be. Not everyone experiences every symptom of panic attacks, or experiences them the same way or with the same level of intensity. Consult with a mental health provider if you are unsure of you are having panic attacks. It's important to get professional consultation and to create a strategy for managing your symptoms, whatever they may be. Especially so, if you feel that your life is not as fulfilled as a result of them. Good luck.

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