Understanding and Treating Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden, unexpected episodes of severe and overwhelming anxiety, often accompanied by acute physical symptoms. The physical symptoms can be so extreme that individuals, especially those experiencing them for the first time, may believe they are having a heart attack or a nervous breakdown. Over time, panic attacks may increase in frequency, leading to a fear of experiencing them and creating what feels like a “vicious cycle”.
The impact of panic attacks varies from person to person; whilst some individuals may be successful in overcoming a panic attack on their own, others may need more intensive support and a treatment plan.
Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Panic attacks manifest in different ways, both psychologically and physically, and can vary from person to person. Many individuals report experiencing a sense of losing control and being trapped or an inability to set themselves free from a particular situation. These are often accompanied by a sudden onset of various severe physical symptoms such as:
- Feeling faint, dizzy or light-headed
- Feeling nauseous
- Abdominal discomfort
- Chest pains and shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Fluctuating body temperature
- Hyperventilating
If you frequently experience symptoms of panic attacks, professional intervention may be required in order to provide you with additional coping mechanisms and tools. You can receive panic attack treatment from your GP, or you can reach out to us directly.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
How are Panic Attacks Treated?
Although panic attacks can be agonising and very hard to cope with, it is essential to recognise that with effective treatment, they can be managed. The idea of seeking help may seem daunting, but it may be the crucial step to overcoming your panic disorder and enhancing your quality of life.
Panic attacks are a characteristic symptom of panic disorder, a specific type of anxiety disorder. The treatment options for panic disorder may include a variety of therapies to address panic attacks, with medications incorporated into the treatment plan if necessary. In addition, if you also experience other anxiety symptoms, you will also be given treatment specifically for anxiety.
Depending on the severity of your attacks, effective panic attack treatment methods include the following:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT aims to address any negative thought patterns that may be impacting your panic attacks so you can re-evaluate these thoughts in a healthier way.
- Medication
Certain antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other drugs, may be prescribed to complement CBT to help you better manage panic attacks.
- Mindfulness
Along with these treatments, you may also be advised to engage in various mindfulness activities and practice breathing techniques which can help you to better cope when you do experience a panic attack.
Our highly qualified and experienced health specialists can provide a broad range of therapeutic treatments to help alleviate your panic and anxiety. Our panic attack treatment experts can also prescribe medication if it is deemed appropriate for your condition. We make sure that every individual who seeks panic attack support from us is the focus of their treatment and recovery process and participates in every decision regarding their care. This ensures that you receive a truly personalised treatment experience, leading to the best possible outcomes you can achieve as an individual, enduring even beyond treatment.
Rest assured that our highly nurturing and compassionate treatment environments offer the perfect setting where your problems can be addressed, and you can move towards a healthy, happy, and positive way of life.
Panic Attack Coping Strategies
During a panic attack, the symptoms feel like they will never cease. However, there are some things that you can do to alleviate these symptoms. These include the following tips:
- Remain where you are
- Learn to control your breathing
- Use positive coping statements
- Redirect your focus
- Challenge any unhelpful thoughts
These tips can provide useful help regardless of whether you experience a panic attack during the day or at night.
FREE Drug Panic Attack Assessment
If your or a loved one are struggling with panic attacks, we understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free panic attack assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
