What is panic disorder?
People with Panic Disorder (PD)
experience unexpected and recurring panic attacks: that is, an intense period
of fear that starts suddenly and peaks within 10 minutes.
People who have panic attacks
usually describe having their first attack 'out of the blue', without any
apparent cause.
Others may experience panic attacks
in a way that can be predicted if they tend to occur in specific situations or
places. This usually happens when the person has a specific fear of that
situation or place: for example, a fear of spiders, or having social anxiety
(if confined to social situations).
What
are the symptoms of panic disorder?
People having panic attacks may
experience either some or most of the following symptoms:
|
Dizziness or feeling
faint
Choking sensations
Racing heart
Nausea or
butterflies
Numbness or tingling
|
Hot flushes or cold
chills
Sweating
Shaking or trembling
Fear of dying or
losing control
Fear of detachment
or unreality
|
People with PD experience
considerable distress during panic attacks. They can develop strong fears and
anxieties about having more panic attacks, leading to significant behaviour
change. This can include repeated avoidance of situations often develops into agoraphobia:
the inability to go outside of known and safe surroundings because of intense
fear and anxiety.
People with agoraphobia avoid
situations where escape might be difficult or help is unavailable in the event
of having a panic attack. The majority of people with agoraphobia also have PD,
but some do not and have never had a panic attack.
Who
gets panic disorder?
People often develop PD after a
stressful life event. The symptoms usually begin suddenly, from mid to late
twenties, although they can also begin in childhood or adulthood. Around 3 in
100 adults (2.6%) develop PD every year.
PD also often occurs alongside depression
and substance abuse.
Treatment
for Panic Disorder
There are effective treatments
available for Panic Disorder. For most, psychological treatments are effective.
Education and relaxation training can also be effective. In very severe cases treatment
may also include medication taken under the guidance of a medical practitioner.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is
an effective structured psychological treatment for PD.
CBT for PD involves learning about
panic, learning about effective relaxation techniques, and teaching you how to
identify and challenge the unhelpful thoughts that may contribute to anxiety
and avoidance.
Where
can I receive treatment for panic disorder?
There are a number of ways you can
access psychological treatment for PD and you can choose a way that works best
for you. This can be in-person with a mental health professional, or online
with the support of a program.
By registering, you can access Mental
Health Online’s free and comprehensive Panic Disorder assessment and treatment.
You may like to do this by yourself in our self-guided option, but you can also
opt for our free therapist-assisted program via email, chat, or video.
Explore
other treatment options
For further information about
treatment options and assistance:
Visit
your GP
Explore
other online therapies at Head to Health
Find a Psychologist through the Australian Psychological Society’s referral service
Contact
your local community health centre