According to patient.co.uk, one in ten individuals across the UK experience occasional panic attacks. It is highly likely that you or someone close to you has experienced at least one panic attack in their life time as they are more common than you may think. The NHS describes a panic attack as a rush of intense psychological and physical symptoms, usually lasting around five to ten minutes. These symptoms include fear, feelings of helplessness, a detachment from reality, rapid breathing which could lead to hyperventilation, and trembling.
The exact cause of panic attacks is not fully understood. This may be frustrating for people diagnosed with panic disorder, which involves the sufferer experiencing recurring panic attacks. However, hope is not lost as there are ways sufferers can cope with panic attacks. The mental health organisation, Mind describes panic attacks as the result of exaggeration of the body’s normal response to fear, stress or excitement. Using this information, it can help individuals by encouraging them to be aware that they may be more prone to a panic attack when during these situations. In addition, they can adopt breathing strategies during these situations to help to prevent a panic attack from occurring. The Mind description of a panic attack can also be used to reassure patients that it is not fatal. Panic attacks are not life threatening, just an inconvenience. Understanding your body and knowing the warning signs of panic attacks are a huge step forward in keeping the disorder under control.
By Maya Welford, honorary assistant psychologist
