Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder FAQ
Home > Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder FAQ
Because
we regularly work with individuals suffering from panic disorder and panic
attacks, we find that they often have the same questions. These are some
of the more common ones. Click the links to jump to the answer.
If you haven't done so already, it is a good idea to take a look at our
online course: How to stop a panic
attack
Am I going mad?
Do I have to take drugs to get rid of panic attacks?
Why have I suddenly started having panic attacks?
How can I stop panic attacks?
Will I have a heart attack or stroke?
What is a panic attack?
How are depression, anxiety and panic attacks related?
How can I handle a panic attack if I have one?
The
relationship between anxiety, panic attacks and stress.
Q: Am I going mad?
A: "Am I going mad" is one of the most common fears of people
who start to have panic attacks. As you will know if you have read through
the free panic attacks course,
a panic attack is a perfectly natural bodily mechanism 'going off' inappropriately.
People often experience their first one at a time of high stress, or perhaps
in conjunction with hormonal changes within the body. If you are thinking
"Am I going mad?", it's a pretty good indicator you are not!
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Q: Do I have to take drugs to get rid of panic attacks?
A: No you do not. Although some drugs can be useful in the short term
if panic attacks are very frequent and severe they are not a long term
answer. Appropriate brief psychotherapy incorporating Cognitive approaches,
relaxation techniques and 'deconditioning' is the most effective, as contained
within our Panic Prevention Program.
This sort of therapy will enable you to stop your panic attacks and inoculate
you against future attacks. The audio program may be enough for you, or
you may need to see an appropriately trained professional near you.
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Q: Why have I suddenly started having panic attacks?
There can be many reasons, but the most common is high general levels
of stress, which mean that the 'panic tripwire' is much tighter, and therefore
easier to set off.
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Q: How can I stop panic attacks?
Essentially, to stop a panic attack, your body needs to relax, which is
fairly obvious. To stop panic attacks your anxiety levels need to come
down, and particularly in situations that currently cause anxiety or panic,
but it is sometimes a little more complicated than that. Conditioning
factors can make this more difficult. See Part
2 of the free course for an explanation.
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Q: Will I have a heart attack or stroke?
A: Check Part 3 of the free panic course
for an answer to this one.
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Q: What is a panic attack?
Part 1 of the free panic course will
answer this for you.
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If your question is not answered here, please email us at questions@panic-attacks.co.uk.
How are depression, anxiety and panic attacks related?
The link between depression, anxiety and panic attacks is explained in this article.
How can I handle a panic attack if I have one?
There is no 'best way' to handle panic attacks. Your best approach depends on you, the situation at the time, how you feel and so on. However, generally, for long-term benefit, the best way to handle a panic attack is to stay in the situation until it subsides.
7:11 breathing and the AWARE technique is a great way to help yourself handle panic attacks well.
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