Panic Disorder

Do you ever experience:

     an intense fear that comes out of the blue,
     heart palpitations or arrhythmia,
     feelings of light-headedness, vertigo or dizziness,
     tightness of chest,
     difficulty breathing,
     hot or cold flushes,
     numbness or tingling?

Do you ever worry that:

     you might die,
     you may be having a heart attack,
     you are going crazy or losing control,
     you might make a fool of yourself,
     you may pass out or collapse?

Then you may be suffering from panic attacks or Panic Disorder.

•What is a Panic Attack •What is a Panic Disorder •Treatment •What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack, sometimes called an anxiety attack, is where some of the above symptoms come upon a person suddenly. Often there appears to be no obvious reason for the attack and this can be part of what makes the experience so frightening.

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What is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder is usually present where a person experiences repeated panic attacks or lives with a persistent worry about having further attacks or the possible effects of the symptoms. Panic attacks can occur for other reasons too, so you should see a psychologist to clarify whether you are experiencing Panic Disorder. If you have any concerning physical symptoms it is best to have these examined first by a doctor to rule out any medical problems.

People sometimes begin to avoid situations that lead to Panic Attacks. In some cases this can lead to Agoraphobia, an avoidance of open spaces, crowds or situations such as shopping centres.

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Treatments

Treatment for Panic Disorder usually involves psychological therapy called Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and / or medication.

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What is Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is a psychological treatment which involves:

* education about panic attacks
* relaxation techniques
* desensitisation techniques designed to overcome the fear of the physical sensations of panic (such as the dizzy feelings)
* techniques to teach people how to challenge inaccurate thoughts during panic attacks
* desensitisation to the situations that trigger attacks
* and for some people, training in controlled breathing
* other techniques depending on a person's specific problems

Research has shown that CBT is an effective treatment for Panic Disorder. Many post-graduate trained psychologists, particularly Clinical Psychologists, provide CBT. If you wish to make an appointment to seen by a psychologist to receive individual CBT through our practice please call: (02) 9621 7775, or make an appointment online. (Psychologists at our practice have postgraduate Masters Degree training in Clinical Psychology or Forensic Psychology including CBT).

Rebates of $115.05 per 50 minute consultation are available to those with appropriate referrals. See "Fees & Medicare" section.

Medication - Some medications can significantly help some people with panic attacks. You should talk to your local doctor about whether medication is recommended in your situation.

Self-Help - If you have only mild panic attacks you may wish to try helping yourself. However it is advisable to consult a psychologist at least once to talk over your particular symptoms. You may choose to use either:

A self-help manual

A very useful self-help manual is:
Overcoming Panic - A Complete Nine-Week Home-Based Treatment for Panic Disorder (Dr John Franklin) (Call 1800 333 497 or contact http://www.aps.psychsociety.com.au to order a copy)

OR

An Internet Self-Help Site

One very helpful site is: http://www.crufad.com

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Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and should not be relied on for treatment. You should speak to a Psychologist to clarify the nature of any problems you have and the most appropriate treatment.

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