Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden episode of extreme fear that causes serious physical reactions particularly when there is no real threat or an obvious cause. Panic attacks can be extremely terrifying. Although panic attacks themselves aren’t life-threatening, they can be frightening and can significantly affect ones quality of life. However, effective psychotherapeutic treatment can help with the same.

The majority of people who have panic attacks have symptoms such as feeling dizzy, faint or weak, numbness or tingling in their hands and fingers, a sense of imminent doom or death, feeling hot, getting the chills, pain in their chest, trouble breathing and/or suffering from a sense of helplessness. Most individuals who experience a panic attack state that it feels like their heart is “racing”.

While the cause of panic attacks is uncertain, they are treatable with psychotherapy and medications (as and when required), used either individually or as a combination. People who have frequent panic attacks, especially those who find their activities limited by fear of a panic attack, may benefit from speaking to a mental health professional in order to address their anxiety. There are many types of therapy that are suitable for addressing unwarranted concern and any underlying issues. In the meantime, calming methods like deep breathing and visualization can also be beneficial, joining a support group may also allow afflicted individuals to better cope with their issues.