Panic AttacksHow do I know if what I am experiencing is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden feeling of terror and extreme physical discomfort that occurs without warning and reaches a peak within about ten minutes. During this experience the person will have at least four of the following symptoms;
• Dizziness, a sense that you might actually faint
• A pounding heart • A feeling of not being able to breathe properly • A choking sensation • Trembling limbs • Pins and Needles sensation in arms and legs. • Nausea or other stomach discomfort • Hot or cold flashes throughout the body • Pain or tight feeling in the chest • Sweating excessively and without apparent reason • A fear of losing control and going ‘crazy’ • A fear of dying Is this Panic Disorder? A diagnosis of ‘Panic Disorder’ may only be made when; A person is having repeated panic attacks that seem to happen ‘out of the blue’ |
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After at least one of these panic attacks, the person has spent at least four weeks worrying that they will have more panic attacks, worrying about the worst possible consequences of these panic attacks, worrying about what it means that they are having this problem and also changing some of their normal behaviours because of the fear of having a panic attack
The panic attacks are not being caused by a medical condition or by the use of medications or other drugs
The panic attacks are not caused by another anxiety disorder (such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Could I also have Agoraphobia?
If you meet the above criteria for a diagnosis of Panic Disorder, then you may or may not also have Agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia comes from the greek language and literally translates as ‘fear of the market place’.
Because of your recurring panic attacks you may, understandably, have become very nervous about being in certain places from which escape might be difficult. You may have begun to avoid these places, and if you have to be there, endure them only with great discomfort and anxiety.
Typical situations that are avoided or ‘endured’ would be crowded places such as shopping centres, bank or post office queues, travelling on buses, trains or planes and even being on your own in your home.
The panic attacks are not being caused by a medical condition or by the use of medications or other drugs
The panic attacks are not caused by another anxiety disorder (such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Could I also have Agoraphobia?
If you meet the above criteria for a diagnosis of Panic Disorder, then you may or may not also have Agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia comes from the greek language and literally translates as ‘fear of the market place’.
Because of your recurring panic attacks you may, understandably, have become very nervous about being in certain places from which escape might be difficult. You may have begun to avoid these places, and if you have to be there, endure them only with great discomfort and anxiety.
Typical situations that are avoided or ‘endured’ would be crowded places such as shopping centres, bank or post office queues, travelling on buses, trains or planes and even being on your own in your home.
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What can I do if I think I have Panic Disorder?Having Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia, means that your symptoms are not due to any physical medical condition – always check this thoroughly with your GP first. Only when your doctor assures you that your panic attacks are due to anxiety should you proceed to treat the problem as Panic Disorder.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy treatment for Panic Disorder that has been proven to work extremely well. |
How can CBT help my Panic Disorder?
Panic attacks happen when our brain mistakenly thinks that we are in immediate and severe danger and gives the signal for an avalanche of adrenaline to be released into our bodies. This adrenaline is meant to give us ‘superpowers’ so that we can escape and survive the threat or danger.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy explains fully what is causing your panic attacks. It then teaches you how to manage and control these attacks so that eventually you stop having them.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy explains fully what is causing your panic attacks. It then teaches you how to manage and control these attacks so that eventually you stop having them.
