Realization During a Panic Attack
Derealization is a scary and sometimes debilitating experience. It can make you feel as though you are watching yourself, or nothing is real around you. In most cases, derealization is a result of anxiety. Usually, the symptom is temporary. But if you suffer from persistent derealization, you may want to seek professional help.
Several mental and physical illnesses can cause derealization. It can also occur in people who have had a severe trauma.
The symptoms of derealization are typically accompanied by an increased heart rate, trembling, and dizziness. Some people may also experience numbness or heat. This is also a common symptom of panic attacks.
Almost half of all adults will experience derealization at least once in their lifetime. A recent study found that 66% of those who experienced a traumatic event would also experience derealization at some point in their lives.
Derealization is associated with anxiety, and can be brought on by various stressors. People with chronic anxiety are at a higher risk for developing the symptom.
Derealization can be an unpleasant and frightening experience, especially if you are a child or teenager. Many people learn how to deal with the symptom, and many recover from it.
During a panic attack, derealization can last for hours or days. It can also persist after the attack is over.
While no lab test can definitively diagnose derealization, experts have concluded that it is a symptom of several different types of medical conditions. Symptoms of derealization can be triggered by prescription medications, or even by other mental illnesses.
