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Panic Attack Treatment / Agrophobia |
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
. Everybody experiences anxiety and feelings of panic from time to time. It’s a natural instinct to run from danger. Just like animals in the wild, being ‘on the alert’ enables you to move quickly should danger present itself. But what happens when your body puts you on ‘red alert’ while queuing at the supermarket, or during an important meeting at work, or during an exam? This is commonly known as a panic attack. The symptoms of a panic attack feel so real that the sufferer believes them to be indicative of some major illness or condition. This in turn creates a vicious circle of fear inducing panic and panic inducing yet more panic, culminating in a full blown attack. If panic attacks are not dealt and continue to govern a persons life they may lead to depression and agoraphobia.
For an initial consultation call 020 7223 4321
Information about Panic Attacks
DEFINITION OF PANIC ATTACKS
“ A panic attack is generally described as a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort that is associated with numerous somatic and cognitive symptoms (DSM-IV).”
At least 1 in 10 people have occasional panic attacks. The tend to occur most in young adults. Twice as many women than men have panic attacks. Anyone can have a panic attack, but they also tend to run in some families.
FACTS ABOUT ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS
The panic attack is distinguished from other forms of anxiety by its intensity and its sudden, episodic nature
A panic attack usually lasts 5-10 minutes, but sometimes they come in 'waves' for up to two hours.
Most people report a fear of dying, “going crazy,” or losing control of emotions or behaviour.
The experiences generally provoke a strong urge to escape or flee the place where the attack begins.
Current diagnostic practice specifies that a panic attack must be characterized by at least four of the associated somatic and cognitive symptoms described below.
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Panic Attack Symptoms
Common symptoms of panic attacks, anxiety or panic disorder may include the following:
fast, pounding heartbeat/ light headedness/ Sensations of choking or smothering
difficulty catching your breath/ chest pain/ flushing and sweating or ‘hot flashes’
feeling sick/ trembling/ palpitations/ dizziness/ dry mouth/ needing to go to the toilet/ feeling faint
The physical symptoms that occur with panic attacks do not mean there is a physical problem with the heart, chest, etc. The symptoms mainly occur because of an 'overdrive' of nervous impulses from the brain to various parts of the body during a panic attack.
During a panic attack you tend to over-breathe (hyperventilate). If you over-breathe you 'blow out' too much carbon dioxide which changes the acidity in the blood. This can then cause more symptoms such as confusion and cramps, and make palpitations, dizziness, and pins and needles worse. This can make the attack seem even more frightening, and make you over-breathe even more, and so on.
CAUSES OF ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS
Stress Related Panic Attacks
Panic attacks usually occur for no apparent reason. The cause is not clear. Stressful life events such as a bereavement may sometimes trigger a panic attack. Stressful working conditions may also lead to attacks. Panic attacks can be embarrassing if they happen in public. This can especially pose a problem at work where it may not always be possible to hide yourself until the attack is over. If you are struggling to meet deadlines or unable to attend meetings, then anxiety is taking its hold on your life. It’s difficult to concentrate on your job if the possibility of having another attack is at the foremost of your mind. The right treatment can ease anxiety and conquer panic attacks.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person has experienced at least two unexpected panic attacks and develops persistent concern or worry about having further attacks or changes his or her behaviour to avoid or minimize such attacks. Whereas the number and severity of the attacks varies widely, the concern and avoidance behaviour are essential features. Approximately one-half of people with panic disorder at some point develop such severe avoidance as to warrant a separate description, panic disorder with agoraphobia.
Panic disorder is about twice as common among women as men (American Psychiatric Association, 1998). Age of onset is most common between late adolescence and mid-adult life, with onset relatively uncommon past age 50. There is developmental continuity between the anxiety syndromes of youth, such as separation anxiety disorder. Typically, an early age of onset of panic disorder carries greater risks of comorbidity, chronicity, and impairment. Panic disorder is a familial condition and can be distinguished from depressive disorders by family studies (Rush et al., 1998).
Panic attacks also are not limited to panic disorder. They commonly occur in the course of social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder (DSM-IV).
Conquer your anxiety and panic attacks
How the David Mulhall Centre can help beat panic attacks and anxiety
At The David Mulhall Centre, we offer a non-invasive drug free treatment for panic attacks and anxiety. Any levels of panic or anxiety can be treated, from full blown and frequent attacks to work/school related anxiety that is disrupting your life.
Anxiety is uncomfortable on any level especially if it is taking hold of your life.
Treatment at the David Mulhall Centre can gradually help you overcome panic attacks for life. We can also offer support and advice on dealing with your panic attacks as they happen. Tips such as carrying a paper bag to deal with hyperventilation or reading aloud to regulate breathing will not cure the panic attacks but will help deal with them as you undergo treatment.
For an initial consultation call 020 7223 4321
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