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Panic attacks

Panic attacks can be a scary experience, where fear overwhelms you and anxiety symptoms suddenly peak, leaving you feeling out of control. These sudden attacks, though short-lived, can have profound effects on your daily life, influencing your work, relationships, and personal time. If you find yourself constantly worried about the possibility of the next panic attack, especially without any clear triggers, you might be facing panic disorder – a mental health condition that goes beyond the occasional anxiety spike.

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What are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are sudden intense surges of anxiety and fear. They can have identifiable triggers or occur unexpectedly. Having a panic attack doesn't necessarily indicate panic disorder.


Understanding Panic disorder

A panic attack is an intense moment of fear that can feel isolating. Recurring panic attacks may indicate panic disorder, a common anxiety disorder characterized by the fear of having future attacks. People with panic disorder often change their behavior, avoiding situations that previously triggered attacks.
While a single panic attack doesn't indicate panic disorder, frequent attacks can significantly impact daily life. Professional treatment is necessary for panic disorder. Our therapists are experts in understanding panic episodes, their triggers, and can provide personalized therapy.


What are the Signs and Symptoms of Panic Disorder?

During a panic attack, you may experience these physical symptoms:

  • struggle to breathe

  • feel dizzy

  • feel nauseous

  • have palpitations

  • have an urge to go to the toilet

  • feel numb

  • have tingling sensations

  • feel faint


These symptoms, while unpleasant, aren't dangerous. However, they can trigger fears that:

  • you might stop breathing

  • you might faint

  • you might have a heart attack or die

  • you might get of control or crazy

  • you might vomit

  • you might have symptoms of a panic episode


These fears can intensify physical symptoms, creating a cycle that makes panic attacks extremely distressing and exhausting.


How are Panic Attacks Maintained?

Fear of future attacks often leads to avoidance of triggering situations. When facing feared situations, you might rely on safety behaviors like carrying medication, bringing support, or staying near exits. These actions can inadvertently worsen panic attacks. People with panic disorder may lose confidence in previously comfortable situations.


Panic attacks persist due to:

  1. Fear of future attacks

  2. Misinterpreting physical symptoms as danger signs

  3. Avoidance behaviors maintaining the cycle

Therapy addresses both cognitive aspects and behavioral patterns to break this cycle.


What's the Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack?

These terms describe different experiences:

  • Panic attacks: sudden, intense episodes with feelings of losing control or dying. They often occur without clear triggers. Regular panic attacks may indicate panic disorder.

  • Anxiety attacks: periods of elevated worry and stress that build gradually, usually linked to specific situations.


Both conditions can be treated with professional help. Our therapists are trained to address both sudden panic attacks and ongoing anxiety.


If you're looking for help with something you're struggling with, book your in-depth assessment now.


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