Panic Attacks

People who suffer from a panic disorder feel a terror that strikes suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. The occurrence of an attack cannot be predicted. An intense anxiety about when and where the next one will strike can develop.

Panic attack symptoms include:

• A feeling of being out of control

• Chest pains

• Fear of dying

• Feelings of unreality

• Flushes or chills

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

• Nausea or stomach problems

• Pounding heart

• Shaking or trembling

• Shortness of breath or a feeling of smothering or choking

• Sweating

• Terror

• Tingling or numbness

Panic disorder is quite common, occurring more frequently in women than in men. It can appear at any age but most often begins in young adults. Not everyone who experiences panic attacks will develop panic disorder. Many people have one attack but never have another. Sufferers of panic disorder require treatment.

Panic disorder is often accompanied by other conditions such as depression or alcoholism, and may spawn phobias, which can develop in places or situations where panic attacks have occurred. Some people's lives become greatly restricted . They avoid normal, everyday activities such as grocery shopping, driving or even leaving the house. They avoid any situation they fear would make them feel helpless should a panic attack occur. Agoraphobia develops in approximately one third of Panic Disorder sufferers. Whilst this disorder can appear to run in families, early treatment of panic disorder can often stop the progression to agoraphobia.

Cognitive-behavioural approaches teach clients how to view the panic situations differently and demonstrate ways to reduce anxiety, using breathing exercises or techniques to refocus attention.