Panic attacks
What are panic attacks?
Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety which appear to have no obvious triggers or reasoning. They can happen when a person least expects it and can be very distressing and frightening for the sufferer, especially when the person cannot understand the rationale or logic for the reaction.
What are the symptoms?
Many sufferers of panic attacks report feelings of being out of control, unable to free themselves or feeling trapped. They also produce physical symptoms such as:
- Feeling faint, dizzy or light headed
- Feeling nauseous
- Abdominal discomfort
- Chest pains and shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Fluctuating body temperature
- Some people may hyperventilate
They also affect people differently; while some may be able to overcome a panic attack in public without others noticing, others may call upon professional medical help. First time sufferers sometimes believe they are experiencing a heart attack or a nervous breakdown because of the symptoms and their severity.
Panic attacks are distinguished from other kinds of anxiety by their intensity and immediate nature.
How can it be treated?
Due to the nature in which panic attacks occur - without warning or logical reasoning - it is not possible to produce a specific recovery programme. However, the risk of panic can be reduced or even prevented by using techniques such as muscle relaxation exercises, coping mechanism strategies and cognitive behavioural therapy.
How Priory can help
Priory has been helping to treat anxiety disorders and people who experience panic attacks for over 25 years. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.
The type and length of treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition. Some patients are treated as outpatients, which means they come to Priory for hourly sessions with their consultant, psychologist or therapist. Others require a more structured treatment approach which can include staying at one of the Priory hospitals for the duration of their treatment where they take part in the psychological group programme as well as regular sessions with their consultant.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or email info@priorygroup.com
To view a list of the Priory hospitals that can help with panic attacks please click here.
For more support
If you feel you may be affected by panic attacks and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations:
Anxiety UK
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
08444 775 774
Triumph over Phobia
www.triumphoverphobia.com
0845 600 9601
No Panic
www.nopanic.org.uk
0808 808 0545
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 909090
Priory
www.priorygroup.com
0845 2 774679
If you are interested in receiving treatment from us, your GP will be able to refer you.