PANIC THERAPY

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.

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Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.

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But someone with panic disorder has feelings of anxiety, stress and panic regularly and at any time, often for no apparent reason.

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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.

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You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll trigger another attack.

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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.

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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.

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A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.

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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

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Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour.

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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.

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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 hospital if you have one.

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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.

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For example, you may have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.

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Again, the evidence around counselling for Panic Disorder is very limited. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a proven method of treating panic disorder. Panic disorder is a common anxiety disorder, and is often diagnosed along with other anxiety disorders, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. The main component of panic disorder is the presence of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.

 

Please get in touch if you would like to access online therapy or if you wish to obtain therapy for Health Anxiety in Cheshire at my private office in Congleton.

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