Panic attacks – symptoms and treatment

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or overwhelming mental and physical feelings.

Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. You might have a panic attack just once, or repeatedly over time. If you have regular panic attacks that don’t have an obvious trigger, you may have panic disorder. This means you might worry about having other panic attacks and try to avoid situations that could cause them.

What are the symptoms of a panic attack?

The physical and mental symptoms of a panic attack can vary from person to person. Some common signs of a panic attack include:

• being short of breath or feeling like you’re choking
• having a rapid heartbeat
• feeling faint, lightheaded, or dizzy
• trembling or shaking
• feeling sick
• feeling hot or cold
• feeling numbness in your skin
• feeing afraid that you’re going to die
• chest pain

Although these symptoms might be worrying, they aren’t dangerous. They’re also unlikely to cause you any lasting physical harm.

What triggers panic attacks?

It’s not always obvious what causes a panic attack. They can be triggered by situations that cause anxiety. Or they can be caused by a major negative event in your life. For some people panic attacks seem to have no trigger.

If you have anxiety or depression you might have panic attacks.

How do you stop or manage panic attacks?

There are a few things you can try to stop or manage panic attacks.

1. Talk to someone about it

It might help to talk to a trusted friend or family member about your worries. You could also talk to your GP or a mental health professional.There are specialist charities and support groups who might be able to help too.

2. Live a healthy lifestyle

Exercise improves your mood and reduces anxiety. A healthy diet and a good night’s sleep could also help manage your anxiety, which might help to prevent a panic attack happening.

3. Try breathing and relaxation techniques

If you’re feeling anxious, try to lower your stress levels and take time out to relax. Yoga, Tai chi, and mindfulness can help you to control your thoughts and feel calmer. Practicing calming breathing exercises might also be helpful if you feel short of breath during a panic attack.

Distraction techniques could also help stop the negative thoughts that can lead to a panic attack. Try to focus on something in your surroundings, or something pleasant, to distract yourself until the feelings pass.

4. Identify triggers

If something specific triggers your panic attacks, try to keep a diary of these situations and feelings. This can also help you to avoid them in future, and keep track of your progress.

How do you treat panic attacks?

If you regularly have panic attacks, your GP may recommend taking medicine for the anxiety that causes the attacks. This could involve taking antidepressants to improve your mood.

Your GP may refer you to psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This type of treatment can help you to control and reduce your panic attacks.

Where can you get help for panic attacks?

Don’t suffer in silence. There are also organisations that can give you advice or support.

If you need help now, you can:

• call the Samaritans free and confidential helpline: 116 123 (UK and ROI)
• or visit Mind’s website and click the ‘get help now’ option. They also have a helpline.

If you need immediate help or are worried about someone, call the emergency services.