Sri Lanka, Oct. 21 -- Health professionals are sounding the alarm over a noticeable rise in panic attack incidents affecting young women and schoolgirls across the nation.

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) has voiced apprehension regarding the growing frequency of these cases.

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Palitha Rajapaksha, Assistant Secretary of the GMOA, stated that medical monitoring reveals that nine to 20 schoolgirls and between seven to eight young women are being taken to hospital emergency departments weekly with symptoms typical of panic attacks.

Dr. Rajapaksha detailed the common symptoms, which include lightheadedness, swift breathing, chest discomfort, a tingling sensation and numbness in the hands and feet...