Panic Attacks

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heyy I'm new to here.
Basically the titles self explanatory. I keep getting these rushs of fear, particularly in open spaces and confined spaces. I have aspergers and am scared of crowds enough as it is. Are these panic attacks due to Aspergers?? x

It sounds like you might have anxiety issues, but of course, only a professional can diagnose that. If you do see one be prepared for tranquilizing medications for anxiety such as clonazepam or valium,

Anxiety and autism often go hand in hand, but not every autistic person with anxiety issues have panic attacks.

cheers yeah just been worried because I'm not going clubbing as much because of the crowds and keep feeling like something bad is going to happen when I'm in big or small spaces. I feel trapped and its really hard to explain, I know its completely irrational. I'm telling myself that, but my mind tells me different. I have been trying meditation, relaxing and stuff and I'm pretty calm tonight so thats one positive. I also get the same fear on bridges as well. x

Hi!

Sounds tough and I can certainly realte to feelings of panic in crowded spaces. I think the term 'panic attack' is often confused with an anxiety attack.

From my understanding (and recent experience with the former - not long after realising I was AS), an anxiety attack is the feeling of becomming massively overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety/panic (what it sounds like you are describing but please correct me if im wrong). A panic attack, on the other hand, is something different, a more physical condition. In a panic attack the body suddenly floods itself with adrenaline and, while I think results can vary, often (and in my case), you start to massively and uncontrollably hypoventolate, start shaking all over, the chest tightens and you can feel like you are about to have a heart attack (although you wont really). I required about 20 minutes and the help of my wife before I could breath normally once again.

The interesting thing is that my panic attack came on when, although feeling a little emotional trying to get my head around the likelyhood of having AS, I was relatevily calm. At least to begin with. I was watching a youtube video of someone matter-of-factly describing growing up with Aspergers and I suddenly found I could not controll my breathing and things went downhill.

I have experienced both and they are both disturbing states to get into. As for the question of whether of not this is Aspergers, I have not come across agrophobic or chlostrophobic symtombs as of yet so could be unrelated but then again, we seem to be still building up a full picture of ASDs so who knows for sure.

Si

haha thanks for that. Well with me I get the fear for a start then my heart beats fast, my legs turn to jelly, faster breathing, increased temp, shaking, and the feeling of something bad happening. Mind you today wasn't too bad. I spoke to my m8 and she said she's had anxiety attacks before and stuff. I'd heard people with AS were afraid of crowds and at times they do distress me. I suppose theres good and bad days. x