Panic Attack
What is A Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear, anxiety, and discomfort that occurs unexpectedly or without warning, with no relation to any external threat, danger, or apparent cause. Panic attacks result in severe physical symptoms, including rapid heartbeat or palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness. Furthermore, panic attacks are often accompanied by psychological symptoms, such as an overwhelming fear that something terrible will happen, a sense of losing control, feeling detached from your surroundings (derealization), and fear of dying.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that involves experiencing recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. In addition, people with panic disorder often worry excessively and persistently about having more attacks. In order to prevent the occurrence of more attacks, individuals with panic disorder may develop avoidance behaviours towards places or situations that they associate with panic attacks. For example, they may avoid going somewhere they previously had a panic attack. Anxiety and avoidance resulting from panic disorder can significantly impair quality of life, restrict activities and social life, and negatively impact functioning at work or in relationships.
How Do We Treat Panic Disorder?
Panic disorders can be treated through a combination of medication for reducing anxiety as well as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aimed at changing thought patterns and behaviours related to panic attacks. CBT can help individuals with panic disorder identify unhelpful thoughts that may contribute to their fears of experiencing further panic attacks and gradually expose them to fearful situations to reduce avoidance behaviour. Furthermore, practicing mindfulness, breathing, and relaxation techniques can be helpful for managing physical symptoms associated with panic attacks.
