Panic Attacks
Panic Attacks: The Hallmark of Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is marked by recurrent, spontaneous panic attacks. A panic attack is an intense period of fear or discomfort. During the attack, a person may experience the following symptoms :-
racing heartbeat
difficulty breathing, feeling as though you ‘can’t get enough air’
terror that is almost paralysing
dizziness, light-headedness or nausea
trembling, sweating, shaking
choking, chest pains
hot flushes, or sudden chills
tingling in fingers or toes (‘pins and needles’)
fear that you’re going to go crazy or are about to die
To be diagnosed as a panic attack, four or more symptoms should be present. Otherwise, the attack is described as “limited symptom attack.” Those who experience panic attacks usually describe them as occurring “out of the blue.”
You probably recognize this as the classic ‘fight or flight’ response that human beings experience when we are in a situation of danger. But during a panic attack, these symptoms seem to arise from out of nowhere. They occur in seemingly harmless situations–they can even happen while you are asleep.
Within hypnotherapy we can teach you to control your breathing, heart rate and you will be able to relax at will including at the onset of a panic attack, thus stopping it in its tracks.
