Panic Attacks Milton Keynes

Panic attacks – Another type of anxiety disorder is panic disorder which is characterised by terror, which strikes suddenly without warning. Hypnotherapy can help to alleviate panic attacks by direct suggestion and by behavioural training. It can be used to:

•    Desensitise the sufferer from certain stressors
•    Help take back control by recognising and regulating previously inappropriate responses
•    Teach new ways to relax
•    Break habitual behaviours
•    Remove anxiety triggers
•    Dissociate the sufferer from the anxiety causing problems

For help and a free initial consultation either phone 01908 265410 or e-mail leigh@setyourmindfree.co.uk

Panic attacks are a common symptom of panic disorder, but not everyone who has a panic attack will develop panic disorder. Panic disorder is much more common than is generally recognized and affects a large proportion of the population. A panic attack can happen without warning, and can often occur for little or no apparent reason. Although these episodes may appear random, research indicates that they are bought on by our own ‘fight or flight’ response, which triggers hormones (particularly adrenaline) to flood our body in preparation to defend itself from a perceived threat.

The effects of panic attacks continue long after an attack – fearing when the next attack will occur causes persistent worrying and intense anxiety between attacks. Panic attacks can seriously impact the way a person lives their life by limiting what they do or where they go; as they attempt to avoid situations that trigger the attack. Experiencing a panic attack is intensely frightening, upsetting and uncomfortable.

Research suggests at least 1 in 10 people experience occasional panic attacks, which are usually triggered by a stressful event, or situation. However, people suffering with panic disorder can have attacks on a regular and recurring basis.
 

Symptoms:

Symptoms of a panic attack can be so severe that those suffering often believe they are having a heart attack or suffering from another life threatening illness. Common symptoms include:

•    Chest pains
•    Nausea
•    Breathlessness
•    Pounding heartbeat
•    A fear of dying
•    Sweating
•    Dizziness
•    Trembling or shaking
•    Choking sensations
•    Numbness
•    Headache
•    Exhaustion
•    Terror

Causes:

Panic attacks occur when a high level of anxiety causes adrenalin to produce severe symptoms. There are a number of factors that may contribute to a panic attack, such as:

•    A traumatic or stressful experience such as bereavement. Feelings of panic and anxiety may occur soon after the event, or may appear years later when they are not expected
•    Some research suggests panic attacks may be more likely if a close member of your family also suffers from them
•    A chemical imbalance in the brain may also increase the risk of panic attacks