Panic Attack Disorder


A panic attack disorder is characterised by a sudden overwhelming fear that has no obvious cause. Why people experience panic attacks is not always easy to discover but there is often a link with major or stressful life experiences and possibly even a genetic influence as well.

The symptoms experienced by people during a panic attack are the classic fight or flight responses that everyone feels when placed in a dangerous situation, only sufferers may feel them for no apparent reason. These include a racing heartbeat or chest pains, often mistaken for a heart attack, difficulty breathing, dizziness, trembling or sweating and an intense feeling of fear or terror.

It is difficult to determine whether you have a panic attack disorder and is certainly something that you should see a doctor about. Many of the physical symptoms can mimic other illnesses so these should be ruled out first. If there is nothing physically wrong with you your doctor should then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis.

There are several options available in the treatment of panic attacks including cognitive and behavioural therapies as well as medication. Behavioral therapy uses various techniques to stop or limit specific actions that can lead to panic attacks. Cognitive therapy however, teaches patients how to change the way they think and how to react differently to the situations and bodily sensations that trigger their panic attacks. Drugs are often prescribed to relieve the symptoms associated with a panic attack but they are not a cure.

A panic attack disorder is not something that you can fix by yourself. The good news is that those people who do seek treatment have a high chance of successfully overcoming this condition and leading normal lives.

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