PANIC ATTACKS

What are they?

A panic attack is an episode of anxiety where you feel unwell and scared. It comes on suddenly and you will usually be worried that you have something seriously wrong with you.

Who gets them?

Anyone can get panic attacks but they are more likely if you are generally anxious or are suffering from depression. if you have a fear of a particular thing or situation, such as spiders or open spaces, you may get a panic attack when you are exposed to whatever you are scared of. These attacks sometimes run in families.

What causes them?

There are lots of theories about what causes panic attacks. Being anxious causes physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. It is possible that when you suffer from a panic attack you start to get physical symptoms from the chemicals released by your body as you get anxious. These physical feelings make you more anxious, which makes your body release more of the same chemicals. It turns into a vicious cycle - anxiety causes physical symptoms which cause more anxiety and so on.

What are the symptoms?

Panic attacks come on suddenly and often start with a feeling of shortness of breath, choking or suffocating. You may feel your heart going very fast, feel sick or sweaty, dizzy or faint. You may feel you need to grasp for breath and get numbness or tingling, especially around your mouth or hands. As these go on you will feel more and more anxious and may even feel you are going to die or have a heart attack. You may be worried that you are going out of control.

When should I go to see my doctor?

Panic attacks are very scary. Even if you are not really worried there is something physically wrong with you it is worth making an appointment to talk to your GP if the attacks concern you. You should certainly talk to your GP if you find you are having regular attacks like these or they are getting more severe.

What tests will my Doctor want to do?

Your doctor will want to talk to you about these attacks and will probably examine you. Your GP will almost certainly be able to reassure you straight away that there is nothing physically wrong with you.

What is the short-term treatment?

This depends on what the main symptoms are, how bad they are and what brings them on. If you are hyperventilating - overbreathing - during these attacks, your GP may suggest that when they come on you breathe in and out of a paper bag. This will bring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your system back to normal and may stop the attack quite quickly. You may well be helped by learning to recognise the early signs of a panic attack. Relaxation techniques may also help. You may need to take tablets, either when you have an attack, or on a regular basis for a while.

Will I need long-term treatment?

This depends on how bad your attacks are and what brings them on. If you have a fear of certain situations your GP may suggest a course of counselling to try to overcome it. You may find your panic attacks come back when you are under severe stress. If they do, you may need to seek help again.