Panic Attacks
A panic attack is the sudden onset of intense anxiety or fear accompanied by the physical feelings of heart palpitations, chest pains, tingling sensations, sweating, dizziness and breathing difficulties. There is a sense of dread, as if something catastrophic is about to happen.
Common thoughts associated with a panic attack include: loss of control, embarrassing oneself, going mad or dying. Sometimes panic attacks can lead to a sense of 'detachment'.
The frequency of panic attacks can vary, ranging from a 'one off' experience to a series of attacks over time.
Psychological therapy provides techniques to cope with panic and to control the attacks.
