Panic attacks can feel frightening, sudden and overwhelming. They often involve intense physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, shaking, sweating, nausea, tingling or feeling detached from reality.
Because the symptoms are so physical, many people worry that something is seriously wrong. They may fear they are having a heart attack, losing control, fainting, going crazy or about to die.
Even when panic attacks are not dangerous in themselves, they can feel terrifying. Over time, the fear of having another panic attack can become a problem of its own.
Panic attacks and avoidance
After a panic attack, people often begin avoiding places or situations where panic might happen again. This can include public transport, driving, meetings, exercise, restaurants, crowds, lifts, being alone or being far from help.
You may also start checking your body, carrying safety items, avoiding caffeine, seeking reassurance or trying hard to control your breathing and heart rate. These responses make sense, but they can sometimes keep the panic cycle going.
Panic attacks can occur on their own or alongside anxiety, trauma, depression, workplace stress, health anxiety, alcohol or drug concerns and sleep problems.
Evidence-based treatment for panic attacks
Treatment for panic is usually practical and structured. At Darlinghurst Psychologists, therapy may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, psychoeducation about the panic cycle, interoceptive exposure, gradual situational exposure, attention training, grounding strategies and work with catastrophic thoughts about bodily sensations.
Therapy may help you understand panic symptoms, reduce fear of bodily sensations, identify behaviours that keep panic going, return to avoided situations and feel more confident responding to anxiety.
If panic symptoms are new, unusual or physically concerning, it is also worth speaking with your GP to rule out relevant medical issues.
How Darlinghurst Psychologists can help
At Darlinghurst Psychologists, we understand that panic attacks can be distressing and disruptive. We work with you to understand your symptoms and build a treatment plan that is evidence-based, compassionate and tailored to your life.
You may also find it useful to read about Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Trauma Therapy, Workplace Stress and Burnout and Sleep Issues.
Common questions about panic attack therapy
Can therapy help with panic attacks?
Yes. CBT and exposure-based approaches are commonly used to help people understand panic, reduce fear of bodily sensations and return to avoided situations.
Are panic attacks dangerous?
Panic attacks can feel dangerous, but they are not usually harmful in themselves. New or concerning symptoms should still be discussed with a GP.
Why do I fear another panic attack?
After a frightening panic attack, the mind and body can become highly alert to similar sensations. This can make panic more likely to happen again.
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder involves recurring panic attacks and ongoing worry about having more panic attacks, often with avoidance of certain situations.
Can panic attacks happen without a clear trigger?
Yes. Some panic attacks seem to come out of nowhere. Therapy can still help you understand and work with the panic cycle.
