Scientific studies have not come out with a specific amount of time as to how long do panic attacks last. The signs and symptoms may differ depending on the reasons for the attacks, or the patient’s ability to cope with the onset of the panic attacks, or how he deals with them during the episode itself. Being a common manifestation of mental and physical anxieties, panic attacks have less to do with the timing of the attacks. It may happen before the patient is confronted with the object of anxiety, as in the case of “anticipatory anxiety”. Or, it may continue on even several hours after the unpleasant experience. Panic attacks may be in the form of sudden, short outbursts. These events may continue on for several minutes at gradual levels.
These panic attacks are brief periods of discomfort, and as it is often an unforeseen event, no one has a specific time frame as to how long do panic attacks last. It depends on the individual’s abilities to cope with and manage the trigger points of these panic attacks. Some panic attacks mellow down immediately after the patient is removed from the place or object of his anxiety. Others, however, become so affected that it becomes so hard for them to detach themselves emotionally and mentally from the unpleasant episode. They lose interest in their normal activities for fear of having another attack, or for fear of even the possibility of encountering of being subjected to the object of their anxiety.
Since there are no specific methods to determine exactly how long do panic attacks last, it will be best to learn to manage these panic attacks. To do this, one as to seek the help of a trained professional who can properly guide him with the alternative methods and suggest possible programs specifically designed to help the individual cope with panic attacks. By working together, the psychotherapist and the patient will be able to work out a lifelong method that can make the patient bounce back to being a productive family member and an asset to society as well.
