Treating Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder
A Panic Attack is an unexpected and sudden onset of acute anxiety and fear that often leaves the sufferer feeling both overwhelmed and confused. Panic Attacks are a relatively common experience.
Physical Symptoms of Panic
The physical symptoms of Panic include:- A racing or pounding heart
- Sweating
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
- Trembling or shaking
- Chills or hot flushes
- Sensations of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Choking feelings
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady or lightheaded
- Numbness or tingling sensations.
Symptoms of Panic may begin suddenly and usually reach a peak within 10 minutes. It is not uncommon for a sufferer to misinterpret these Anxiety symptoms and they will often misconstrue them as either a serious physical (e.g. heart attack) or psychological (e.g. thoughts of going 'crazy') illness.
Treatment of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
At Gates Psychology Cairns, our Clinical Psychologists effectively treat Panic with evidence-based techniques that include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy involves teaching you to control and challenge your thoughts relating to Panic Attacks.
Exposure Therapy involves breaking down feared situations into smaller parts and gradually introducing you to your feared situations whilst using strategies to calm your response.
Contact Gates Psychology
(07) 4080 7326
The Boland's Centre
14 Spence St (Cnr Lake St.)
Cairns QLD 4870
Tel: (07) 4080 7326
Fax: (07) 4080 7355
