Treatment for Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can be a terrifying experience for anyone who experiences them.
They can strike without warning and leave a person feeling overwhelmed and out of control.
Panic attacks are a type of anxiety disorder that can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. In this section we'll take a closer look at panic attacks, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What are panic attacks?
A panic attack is an intense feeling of fear or apprehension that strikes suddenly and without warning. During a panic attack, a person may feel like they are losing control or going crazy. They may also experience physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
Panic attacks are a type of anxiety disorder, which means they are the result of the body's natural response to stress. When a person is faced with a stressful situation, their body releases adrenaline and other hormones to help them cope. However, in some people, these hormones can trigger a panic attack.
Panic attacks are a type of anxiety disorder, which means they are the result of the body's natural response to stress. When a person is faced with a stressful situation, their body releases adrenaline and other hormones to help them cope. However, in some people, these hormones can trigger a panic attack.
What causes panic attacks?
The exact cause of panic attacks is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the factors that can contribute to the development of panic attacks include:
- Family history of anxiety disorders
- History of physical or sexual abuse
- Chronic stress
- Substance abuse
- Medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease
What are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks?
The symptoms of a panic attack can vary from person to person, but they usually include a combination of physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Fear of dying
- Trembling or shaking
Treatment for Panic Attacks
Fortunately, there are effective treatments for panic attacks. The most common treatments are Counselling, Psychotherapy, NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) or Clinical Hypnotherapy depending on the individual, these treatments can enable people to identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to their panic attacks. These treatments can be done in individual or group therapy sessions and can be very effective in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
Another common treatment for panic attacks is medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be effective in reducing the symptoms of panic attacks. These medications are typically prescribed by a doctor and these can be taken on a long-term basis. We always advise clients to consult with their GP to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions.
In addition to therapy and medication, there are also self-care strategies that can help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. These strategies include:
Another common treatment for panic attacks is medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be effective in reducing the symptoms of panic attacks. These medications are typically prescribed by a doctor and these can be taken on a long-term basis. We always advise clients to consult with their GP to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions.
In addition to therapy and medication, there are also self-care strategies that can help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. These strategies include:
- Getting regular exercise
- Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding stressful situations whenever possible
However it is always worth having a free initial conversation with us to see what we can do for you as an individual, together we can work out an individualised treatment plan.
