How Long Do Panic Attacks Last

Panic attacks are terrible to go through. They can sometimes be of a magnitude so severe that people who have them can even end up at hospitals and clinics, fearing the worst. Reports will most often come back normal, further acting as a catalyst to their anxiety about the state their body is in. Wondering how long do panic attacks last?

How Long Do Panic Attacks Last

Panic and anxiety attacks should be diagnosed as early as possible, otherwise there is a chance that you may spend years consulting doctors without experiencing any actual relief. It becomes difficult to identify exactly what is causing those attacks, adding to the frustration and helplessness of the sufferer.

Panic attacks can generally be identified, although their nature can differ from person to person. Most of the times the experience depends on the way the person reacts to the attack more than the intensity of it. Some of the signals and symptoms you can encounter before, during and after a panic attack are:

1. A racing heart
2. General restlessness and uneasiness
3. Breathlessness or hyperventilation
4. Trembling, sweating, lightheadedness or numbness

Generally, panic attacks build over 10 minutes before peaking instantly or for about a minute before gradually residing. It could take up to 20-30 minutes to fully recover from a panic attack, although there have been several cases where attacks have lasted for an hour or two.

While panic attacks last for 10 minutes on an average before peaking, there is much more to them than just that 10 or 30 minute window. Panic attacks are followed by confusion and anxiety over the cause of the attack as well as fear over them happening again after a while. This fear can be quite discouraging and disabling, and can leave the person in a state of stress and anxiety for a few hours.

Here are a few ways to prevent or reduce the intensity and duration of your panic attacks:

1. Try to Distract Yourself Mentally: It’s all in your head. Get out of your head by getting involved with things or people around you. Maybe call someone you trust, as holding a conversation can be a good distraction.
2. Avoid Smoking and Caffeine: If you are susceptible to attacks, avoid smoking and drinking coffee or tea or other caffeinated products. They will be of no help but only to provoke an attack in you.
3. Control Your Breathing: Hyperventilation is a major symptom; learn to control your breathing once you feel an attack coming upon you; take about 10-15 seconds in all to inhale and exhale and it will help you.

Panic attacks are one of the worst experiences anybody can have, but if you follow some of these tips, you can power through your attacks easily. Also, try to consult a doctor that can advise you therapy for your attacks. I hope we helped with any questions you had about how long do panic attacks last.