|
Panic Disorder - Panic Attacks |
| What are Panic Attacks? |
| Panic attacks can
be triggered by recent stress. They are an extreme form of
anxiety. They occur at unexpected times, often leaving the person
afraid of venturing into public places in case another attack
occurs. One minute you are feeling fine, and the next you are
struggling for breath and feeling sick and dizzy. The symptoms are
intense, physical, and terrifying. People having a panic attack
often feel they are having a heart attack, a stroke, losing their mind, or
even dying.
Such an extreme reaction would be quite normal in a situation when you really were in danger - for example, if a shark was swimming meaningfully toward you! This is called the "flight or fight" response and has a life-saving purpose. But panic attacks happen when there is no real danger. They often happen in everyday situations you have become anxious about, like being in a crowd or the supermarket. Panic attacks are so unpleasant that people are frightened of having another one, and this anxiety can, indeed, cause further attacks. Panic attacks are common. Most people will have a panic attack during their lifetime. About 3% of the population will experience recurring panic attacks. Frequently occuring panic attacks can impact heavily on your life and makeyou feel afraid of doing things that weren't a problem before. In this case it is important to seek help.
|
| What are the symptoms of Panic Attacks? |
A period of
intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following
develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes:
These are all symptoms of severe anxiety. Because many of them are physical sensations, panic suffers often think there is something wrong with their body.
|
| What can I do when a Panic Attack occurs? |
| Although panic
attacks are frightening, they do NOT cause you physical harm. Remind
yourself the symptoms mean you are having a panic attack, and not that you
are about to die.
Panic attacks reach their peak at about four minutes, and have usually lost their intensity after about ten minutes. Remind yourself it will soon be over. Concentrate on keeping your breathing slow and steady. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and out very slowly through the mouth. Place your hand on your abdomen and feel the air and push it out. When you can feel your abdomen move as you breathe, you are doing really well, as it means you are not hyperventilating by breathing quickly in your upper chest. Don't try to fight the feelings - give them time to pass.
|
| How are Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder treated? |
| It is recognised
that the most effective treatment for serious panic problems combines
psychological therapy and medication.
Psychological therapy (or psychotherapy) uses clinically researched techniques. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) includes specific therapy for hyperventilation and the teaching of relaxation, whilst also treating the underlying causes of the panic symptoms. This will focus on overcoming unhelpful beliefs. Therapy will examine your thoughts and your behaviour. the most common thinking problem in panic is having unrealistic, catastrophic thoughts. The most common behavioural problem is in avoiding situations or places because of fear of the panic happening. This may keep the problem going and make it hard to recover - for some people the agoraphobic avoidance then becomes the major problem. Therapy will provide a systematic and detailed way of understanding these thoughts and actions, and plans are made to overcome avoidance. Therapy is usually accomplished in 8 - 12 weekly sessions. Therapy is very effective for most people. 70 - 80% of sufferers will have very good results which will last for many years.
|
|
If you, or anyone you know, shows symptoms of panic attacks and you would like to make an appointment to discuss this with me, email a-lamont@xtra.co.nz, or telephone (03) 354-1969 |
|
|
