How Long Do Panic Attacks Last?

Panic attacks can be terrifying and overwhelming, often leaving those affected feeling helpless and out of control. If you have had a panic attack or seen someone experience one, you know just how scary an experience it can be. And the longer the attack lasts, the more distress it can cause. So how long do panic attacks last?

What Is A Panic Attack?

A panic attack is an unexpected and intense surge of fear or anxiety that can come on without warning. It usually lasts for a few minutes, but it can feel much longer. During this time, your heart rate and breathing rate accelerate rapidly, you may shake or sweat more, and you may experience chest pain and difficulty breathing.

You may also have thoughts of losing control or even dying. Some people may also experience nausea and other physical symptoms like shaking, trembling, vision distortion, and even dizziness. Panic attacks can happen out of the blue with no apparent trigger or in response to specific anxiety-provoking situations.

How Long Is A Panic Attack?

Panic attacks often have a sudden onset, occurring without warning. They can develop within seconds or minutes, with symptoms rapidly intensifying. Many individuals describe feeling as though they are hit by a wave of intense fear or terror, accompanied by intense physical and cognitive symptoms.

Duration Of Panic Attack Symptoms

The duration of a panic attack can vary from person to person. On average, panic attacks typically last around 5 to 30 minutes. However, some individuals may experience shorter episodes lasting a few minutes, while others may endure longer episodes that persist for up to one hour.

Factors Influencing The Duration Of A Panic Attack

Several factors can influence the duration of a panic attack. These include the individual’s unique physiological and psychological makeup, the intensity of the triggering factors or stressors, and stress tolerance. It is important to remember that everyone’s experience with panic attacks is unique, and the duration can vary accordingly.

Recovering From Panic Attacks

Following the peak of a panic attack, symptoms gradually subside. However, it is common to experience residual feelings of anxiety, unease, or exhaustion after the attack has passed. It may take some time for the body and mind to fully recover from the physiological and emotional strain of a panic attack.

Seeking Support & Treatment

If you are experiencing panic attacks, it is crucial to seek professional treatment and support. A mental health specialist can determine the cause of your panic attacks and develop a treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively.

Common treatment options include talk therapy, medications, relaxation techniques, lifestyle modifications, and self-care. Holistic treatments such

Final Thoughts

A panic attack can be incredibly overwhelming and unpredictable. And as we have established, the duration of a panic attack can vary over time or from person to person.

If you experience recurrent or severe panic attacks, it is important to seek professional treatment and support from qualified mental health professionals. The good news is that with the right care and support, panic attacks are treatable.

But if traditional interventions do not work for you, you may want to consider trying ketamine infusions as an alternative treatment. Ketamine infusion therapy has proven to be highly effective in managing symptoms of a variety of chronic and treatment-resistant mental health disorders, including panic disorder.

At avIVa Infusions, we specialize in providing personalized ketamine infusion treatments tailored to meet each patient’s treatment goals in a caring and compassionate environment. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn more about ketamine therapy for pain management treatment for you!