PANIC DISORDER

 

People with panic have episodes of intense anxiety that often comes out of the blue.  

 

These episodes usually include lots of different sensations including difficulty breathing, racing thoughts, heart palpitations, numbness and feelings of unreality.

 

People with panic believe that these sensations are a sign of something bad about to happen. For example, they may think that the sensations are a sign that they are about to: have a heart attack, a stroke, go crazy, collapse, or lose their mind.  

 

These fears can lead to all sorts of problems including becoming housebound.

 

To get over panic a person needs to realise that these physical sensations are harmless.  However, if reassurance at this level does not help, then a cognitive therapist may help you to take the steps necessary to fully believe that these symptoms, although extremely unpleasant, are actually harmless.