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Panic Attacks, Panic disorder, & Anxiety Attack Treatment

Panic Attack

An individual experiencing a panic attack will experience a sudden rush of fear or discomfort that is intense and peaks within a matter of minutes. Four or more symptoms* from this list will be experienced:
  • Heart palpitations or an increased heart rate
  • Discomfort or pain in the chest
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness or trembling
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Nausea or sensations of abdominal distress
  • Feeling feint, lightheaded, or dizzy
  • Derealization
  • Fear of things being 'out of control'
  • Fear of death
  • Sensation of numbness or tingling in the body
  • Heat sensations
Panic attacks can be expected or unexpected. An expected panic attack is associated with a situation or a stimuli that has previously been problematic (e.g. an individual may be triggered when they walk down a street and come across a dog of the same breed that had attacked them in the past).
An unexpected or 'out-of-the-blue' panic attack by contrast will appear to be untriggered. These episodes can occur in the home or in public, and can even manifest when an individual is asleep. A trigger may be present in these scenarios, but it may be difficult to identify. A panic attack can feel very frightening, leading an individual to believe they are having a heart attack or medical episode. For this reason it is important that a medical doctor or specialist be consulted to rule out if physical symptoms are due to a medical condition.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks occuring over a period of one month or more after the initial attack(s). Additionally, the individual will have persistent concerns about the ongoing attacks and their consequences. They will also display significant maladaptive changes in their behaviour in an attempt to minimize the occurrence and/or the impact or further attacks.
In some instances, an individual with panic disorder may develop agoraphobia. This is an anxious response about being in a place where a panic attack may occur, or a place that is difficult to 'escape' from if a panic attack arises. These situations can involve being outside the home or in open spaces, being in crowds or a queue, taking public transport, or being in an enclosed space such as a shop or theatre.

What's the difference between an anxiety attack and a Panic attack?

Many people are unaware that an anxiety attack and a panic attack are different. The following diagrams summarise the characteristics of anxiety attack vs panic attack. From a mental health perspective, a person who experiences anxiety attacks may require a different treatment approach from someone who suffers panic attack.s
Please click here to learn about what causes anxiety.
Why you shouldn't diagnose yourself
This page is for information purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis. The symptoms described can also be attributable to certain medical conditions, medication, illicit drugs, or other psychological disorders.
Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Why hypnotherapy can be effective for panic attacks

If you're struggling with panic attacks or anxiety attacks, hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment for you. By helping you achieve a state of deep relaxation, hypnotherapy can reduce feelings of anxiety, panic, and distress. During hypnotherapy sessions, your therapist will guide you through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation, which can help you to let go of physical tension, clear your mind of negative thoughts, and reduce your anxiety symptoms.
Additionally, hypnotherapy can help you explore and resolve the underlying causes of your panic attacks and anxiety attacks. Often, these conditions are caused by negative thought patterns or beliefs that are deeply ingrained in your subconscious mind. Through hypnotherapy, you can identify and confront these negative beliefs and work to replace them with more positive, empowering thoughts. This process can help alleviate your anxiety symptoms and reduce the frequency and intensity of your panic attacks.
Furthermore, hypnotherapy can help you learn new coping skills to manage your anxiety and prevent panic attacks. You will be taught techniques such as self-hypnosis, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness techniques that you can use outside of therapy sessions to reduce feelings of anxiety and take control of your anxiety symptoms.
Overall, hypnotherapy can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome your anxiety and live a more peaceful, fulfilling life.
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