Have you ever experienced one or more panic attacks during periods of high stress? It is important to note there is a significant difference between experiencing a panic attack, compared to suffering from something called a panic disorder. Below is key information that will help you to differentiate between these two conditions.

Panic Attack
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes, and at least four out of these thirteen symptoms are felt: heart palpitations; sweating; trembling; shortness of breath; feelings of choking; chest pain; nausea; feeling dizzy; chills or heat sensations; paresthesias (an abnormal sensation, typically tingling or pricking); derealisation; fear of losing control; fear of dying.

Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is only diagnosed when the following criteria are met:

• Recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
• The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder.
• The disturbance is not attributable to the psychological effects of a substance or another medical condition.
• Followed by one month (or more) of one or both of:
  • Persistent worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences (e.g. losing control, having a heart attack, or “going crazy”;
  • Significant maladaptive change in behaviour related to the attacks (e.g. avoidance of situations or other perceived triggers of panic attacks).

Understanding the context of panic attacks and the key fears associated are vital for planning appropriate treatment. Give us a call to discuss our commonly used psychological treatments and how we might be able to help.

By Prue Lewis, Clinical Psychologist