Panic attacks - treatment and therapy
Panic attacks - treatment
What are panic attacks?
Panic attacks are otherwise known as anxiety disorder with anxiety attacks or panic attacks. Panic states are recurrent attacks of acute anxiety that are impossible to predict. They can occur in a variety of situations and circumstances, without any specific reason.
What are the symptoms of panic attacks?
Symptoms of panic attacks are:
❌ dizziness;
❌ chest pain;
❌ sudden abdominal pain, nausea;
❌ feelings of shortness of breath or a choking sensation;
❌ palpitations, accelerated heart rate, shallow breathing;
❌ cold sweats, hand tremors, hot flashes, or other physical symptoms;
❌ secondary fear of death, loss of control or mental illness;
❌ a sense of alienation from oneself (depersonalization, a sense of loss of contact with oneself) or one's surroundings (derealization, a sense of unreality).
What clearly distinguishes it from other anxiety disorders in the first place:
suddenness and intensity of symptoms - they appear suddenly and reach peak intensity within minutes;
the short duration of episodes - they usually last from a few minutes to tens of minutes and usually subside relatively quickly;
Lack of specific triggers - can have no clear cause and occur even in situations that are objectively not stressful, making them very frightening and intense;
anticipatory anxiety and agoraphobia - people with the disorder often develop anticipatory anxiety, that is, a fear of another panic attack, and try to avoid certain places or situations (agoraphobia) because they are afraid that an attack may occur there;
feelings of loss of control and fear of death - these strong feelings do not occur with such intensity in other anxiety disorders;
No permanent changes in mood - panic attacks are episodic and are not necessarily associated with permanent changes in mood, and a person may feel relatively well between attacks.
What are the causes of panic attacks?
The causes of panic attacks are varied, and may include:
Genetic predisposition - there is a good chance that if someone in the family suffered from panic attacks, their descendants may also experience them.
Stress and traumatic experiences - stress factors (e.g., chronic stress) can increase the risk of anxiety attacks.
Overreactivity of the nervous system - people with an overreactive nervous system are more prone to panic attacks.
Other anxiety disorders and comorbidities - Panic attacks can result from other anxiety disorders, such as being a symptom of depressive disorders.
Do panic attacks occur regularly?
Panic attacks can be experienced sporadically, for example, several times in a lifetime. There are individuals who experience them more frequently, but still experience them intermittently.
The regular occurrence of panic attacks can lead to the development of paroxysmal anxiety syndrome, which is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and the fear of subsequent episodes.
Are panic attacks always symptoms of a serious mental disorder?
Panic attacks do not always have to be symptoms of a serious mental disorder. They can occur in a person with no previous history of anxiety disorders as a response to some stressor.
However, if the panic attack lasts for a long time, the full panic symptoms appear after a long while, and the panic attack symptoms can be clearly linked to specific triggers, then we may be dealing with a different type of mental disorder than an anxiety disorder.
In such a situation, a specialized psychiatric consultation is necessary.
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How to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks?
Various methods are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders, often several of them in parallel. All this is done in order to make it easier for patients to function on a daily basis.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - in the context of panic attacks can help you learn techniques for dealing with anxiety.
Exposure therapy - gradually accustoms the patient to stressful stimuli and situations to reduce his anxiety response.
Psychodynamic therapy - useful in identifying the causes of attacks.
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacological treatment involves the use of drugs that reduce the symptoms of the disease or combat the illness. These may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or ad hoc beta-blockers to relieve somatic symptoms.
Relaxation techniques and other ways to deal with panic attacks
breathing exercises;
meditation and mindfulness;
Yoga, Pilates and other relaxation exercises;
Regular physical activity;
Proper diet and supplementation after medical consultation;
sleep hygiene;
Use of support groups;
Expanding one's knowledge of panic attacks;
Acupuncture or relaxation massages;
Anxiety management through prudent avoidance of triggers and stressors.
Panic attacks - treatment at CPP Professional Assistance Center
Panic attacks are symptoms that require specialized consultation. If you are experiencing them or a loved one is experiencing them, schedule an appointment at our center.
✅ Holistic care
From diagnosis, to treatment, to control of the disease - at CPP Professional Help Center you will receive support from various specialists. Since 2002, our team has included, among others: psychiatrists, psychologists, child psychologists, psychotherapists working in various streams, and sexologists. We have helped hundreds of patients return to mental balance.
✅ Full confidentiality and protection of patient data
You can trust us - every appointment is covered by medical confidentiality. We create a safe space to talk - both online and in stationary offices.
✅ Convenient meeting schedules
We are there when you need us, at the hours you have time. You can choose a stationary consultation in Warsaw, Krakow or Wroclaw, or make an appointment online. Our specialists take appointments at various times of the day.
✅ Support and education of patients' families
We know that a patient copes better with his illness when he has close people by his side who understand his situation. We offer psychotherapy for couples, individual psychotherapy for partners and psychotherapy for children. If you feel that your loved ones need support, they will find it at our center.
Treating panic attacks: FAQ
What should I do if a person close to me says they are about to experience a panic attack?
For many people, panic attacks appear suddenly, without warning. However, people who struggle with these symptoms for a long time are often able to read their internal signals. If a loved one tells you they feel a panic attack coming on, it's worth it:
Remain calm. Your composure can help a person with anxiety.
Ask how you can help. Perhaps a handshake would be helpful? Ask!
Suggest a change of environment. If you are in a crowded or stuffy room, leave it.
Provide support. A simple - "I'm here with you, breathe" - will suffice.
Try to help bring the person back to reality. Try to focus the person's attention on something else by asking questions unrelated to anxiety, such as about colors, sounds or other simple things.
If the attack happily doesn't happen, talk about what might have caused it to avoid a repeat in the future.
What should I do if a loved one is experiencing a panic attack?
If someone close to you is experiencing a panic attack, don't underestimate the symptoms!
Stay nearby and ensure the physical safety of the person. If she allows you to do so, you can put your arm around her or grab her hands. Assure her, as panic attacks often lead to fainting, due to impaired breathing (irregular, accelerated breathing or shortness of breath).
Remain calm so as not to compound the stress. Speak in a calm tone, do not make sudden movements.
Help the person focus on her breathing. You can give her simple instructions like "Breathe!" or "Focus on my voice!".
If panic attacks are frequent or worsening and your loved one is not receiving care from a specialist, encourage them to seek professional help.
