Panic Attacks – All Is In Your Head
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.
Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It’s a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.
But someone with panic disorder has feelings of anxiety, stress, and panic regularly and at any time, often for no apparent reason.
Symptoms of panic disorder
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe and can include feelings of worry and fear. Panic is the most severe form of anxiety.
You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they’ll trigger another attack.
This can create a cycle of living “in fear of fear”. It can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.
Panic attacks
During a panic attack, you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason.
A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.
Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour.
The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your condition is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week.
Although panic attacks are frightening, they’re not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm, and it’s unlikely you’ll be admitted to the hospital if you have one.
Symptoms include:
- a racing heartbeat;
- feeling faint;
- sweating;
- nausea;
- chest pain;
- shortness of breath;
- trembling;
- hot flushes;
- chills;
- shaky limbs;
- a choking sensation;
- dizziness;
- numbness or pins and needles;
- dry mouth;
- a need to go to the toilet;
- ringing in your ears;
- a feeling of dread or a fear of dying;
- a churning stomach;
- a tingling in your fingers;
- feeling like you’re not connected to your body.
Be aware that most of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions or problems, so you may not always be experiencing a panic attack.
For example, you may have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.
When to get help
See a GP if you’ve been experiencing symptoms of panic disorder.
They’ll ask you to describe your symptoms, how often you get them, and how long you have had them.
They may also carry out a physical examination to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions and personal life, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed.
You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have regular and unexpected panic attacks followed by at least a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks.
Treatments for panic disorder
Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.
Talking therapies and medicine are the main treatments for panic disorder. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms.
Psychological therapies
You can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service for treatment based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
If you prefer, you can see a GP and they can refer you.
Your therapist may discuss with you how you react when you have a panic attack and what you think about it.
They can teach you ways of changing your behavior to help you keep calm during an attack.
You may need to see a GP regularly while you’re having CBT so they can assess your progress.
Medicine
If you and a doctor think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed:
- a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or, if SSRIs are not suitable, a tricyclic antidepressant (usually imipramine or clomipramine);
- an anti-epilepsy medicine such as pregabalin or, if your anxiety is severe, clonazepam (these medicines are also beneficial for treating anxiety).
Antidepressants can take 2 to 4 weeks before they start to work, and up to 8 weeks to work fully.
Keep taking your medicines, even if you feel they’re not working, and only stop taking them if a GP advises you to do so.
Referral to a specialist
If your symptoms do not improve after CBT, medicine and connecting with a support group, a GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
The specialist will carry out an assessment and devise a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.
Things you can try yourself
The next time you feel a panic attack coming on:
- do not fight it;
- stay where you are, if possible;
- breathe slowly and deeply;
- remind yourself that the attack will pass;
- focus on positive, peaceful, and relaxing images;
- remember it’s not life-threatening.
Preventing a further attack
It may help to:
- read a self-help book for anxiety based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT);
- try complementary therapies such as massage and aromatherapy, or activities like yoga and pilates, to help you relax;
- learn breathing techniques to help ease symptoms;
- do regular physical exercise to reduce stress and tension;
- avoid sugary food and drinks, caffeine and alcohol, and stop smoking, as all they can all make attacks worse.
For more help, you can contact our qualified experts to get free assistance.