Have you ever experienced the wave of intense fear & anxiety but remained calm outside? You might have encountered a Silent Panic Attack!
It can occur without any clear reason and causes intense distress without any clear reason. It can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are not as obvious as in traditional panic attacks. It is less known but equally debilitating & challenging as a traditional panic attack.
This article provides insights into what silent panic attacks are, how they feel, their impacts on life, their causes, diagnosis, and how they can be treated.
What Is a Silent Panic Attack?
It is a sudden and severe ripple of fear that causes distress and fear. It is an internal experience that makes an individual remain calm without showing any external signs. Individuals remain in an overwhelming and persistent feeling of danger & fear.
Unlike a typical panic attack, which can be visible and causes symptoms like hypervigilance, crying, or visible panic.
However, the hidden nature of panic attacks causes misunderstanding and makes the individual remain isolated and alone. Many people don’t even realise they are experiencing the symptoms of panic disorder, which eventually worsens the condition.
Symptoms of Silent Panic Attacks
People experiencing this condition remain in overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety. This psychological distress is accompanied by four or more of the following symptoms.
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Shallow breathing
- Sweating
- Pale complexion
- Feelings of doom
- Nausea
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Changes in mood
- Chest pain
- Fear choking
- Feelings of derealization
- Restless & avoid eye contact during the episode
How Long Does a Silent Panic Attack Last?
The symptoms typically fade within 5 to 20 minutes, though sometimes they last more than an hour or less. According to research , approximately 2.5% of people at some point in their lives experience panic disorders, and women are more likely to experience this compared to men. The silent panic episodes follow a similar timeline to the traditional panic disorder.
Here is how it lasts:
Rapid Onset: The intense feelings of fear or dread appear suddenly.
Peak Intensity: It enables individuals to reach their most extreme point within nearly 10 minutes.
Risk Factors of Silent Panic Attacks
The exact cause of a silent panic attack is not fully understood. However, experts have identified several factors that can increase the risk of developing these types of disorders, such as psychological, environmental, and biological factors.
1. Psychological Factors
People who have a history of mental disorders or have experienced any traumatic event, especially in childhood, are more prone to develop this condition. Additionally, individuals who have personality traits such as perfectionism, emotional instability, lack of self-esteem, and sensitivity to criticism are also vulnerable to developing this.
2. Biological Factors
Individuals with a family history of panic attacks are at high risk of developing this condition, which means that if any member of your family has struggled with this condition, you may also develop this. Moreover, individuals with abnormal brain functioning, which is associated with the “fight or flight” response, also contribute to this condition.
3. Environmental Factors
Environmental toxins, stressful life events, such as pressure in professional life or at home, can also trigger attacks. Even if a person is going through a financial crisis or daily stressors, they can also contribute to developing panic attacks or other issues.
4. Substance Abuse
Excessive use of substances such as alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, or any other substances makes an individual struggle with internal sub-anxiety symptoms & contributes to this condition.
How does Silent Panic attack Impact Life?
These attacks overall impact the personality and make an individual emotionally and mentally weak. People in this particular state withdraw from social activities and remain isolated due to constant fear. They avoid certain places because of the fear of panic attacks.
Moreover, the person’s naturally quiet behavior might affect their ability to socialize effectively with friends and family.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be done by a mental healthcare professional to rule out the condition. They review the medical and family history & follow the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). A mental health specialist conducts a questionnaire session with the person suffering from this condition to analyze the symptoms & rule out the root cause.
How can a Silent Panic Attack be treated with Professional help?
These attacks medication, therapies according to the severity of the condition.
Some of the common therapies that can help are Cognitive behavioral therapy, Group therapy, Exposure therapy, & Acceptance and commitment therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps in changing negative thoughts into desirable ones. It helps in managing the internal thoughts and dialogues, which are often neglected.
In Exposure Therapy, a mental health expert gradually exposes the individual to the things they avoid or have a fear of. This helps in reducing the fears over time and helps the individual to live a fulfilling life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on accepting the symptoms that cause anxiety rather than fighting them; it is effective for reducing anxiety.
Moreover, people who experience isolation can also get help by joining Group Therapy. In a group setting, people with the same mental disorders gather together and share their experiences, which eventually helps individuals stick to their treatment plan.
Additionally, a mental healthcare expert sometimes recommends medications in combination with therapies, such as Antidepressants & anti-anxiety medications & SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are often prescribed for long-term panic attack management.
Take the First Step towards Relief at Orange Coast Psychiatry
If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing the symptoms of a silent panic attack or any other mental health disorder, Orange Coast Psychiatry is here to help!
We offer compassionate care, expert treatment, and a holistic approach to empower you.
You will get customized care from experienced professionals within a safe and supportive environment. Our highly expert team will assess the full scope of your needs & help you manage your symptoms to regain control of your life.
Call us today to book your appointment!
Last Remarks
Living with panic attacks can be challenging and severe. People experiencing this condition remain composed and struggle inside because the silent panic cannot be seen by anyone.
It usually occurs in adulthood, and the constant fear of having more panic attacks is a key symptom.
Moreover, they are often misinterpreted as a heart attack or other medical emergency. Some of the common symptoms are dizziness, pale complexion, fatigue, restlessness, sweating, chest pain, and more. It is highly treatable with the combination of medication and therapies.
