The treatment of panic attacks is often limited. It is important when stating this, however, to differentiate panic attacks and panic disorder (see next chapter). A panic attack is an isolated incident that is often the result of another condition, while a panic disorder entails repeated panic attacks.
When treating a panic attack, it is important to ensure that there is no medical cause for the attack. Because the duration of a panic attack is so short, treatment to resolve it is usually limited. Paper bag rebreathing is a common treatment, as it can help stop an acute panic attack by rebalancing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood in cases where hyperventilation is occurring.
Another important part of short term treatment of a panic attack is to assure the patient that the incident is not life threatening and they will be okay. Most patients experiencing a panic attack believe that they are going crazy or even dying, and it is important to offer reassurance. It is equally important, however, that professionals not tell patients that the symptoms are all in their head or that nothing is happening, which can serve to reinforce feelings of panic and fears of going crazy.
For patients who have experienced more than one panic attack, it is important to rule out any physical or medical causes. Therapy to help determine the cause of the attack and to resolve the underlying issues can also help prevent future recurrences of panic attacks. Therapy can also help diagnose any other anxiety or other psychiatric disorders that may result in an isolated panic attack, including PTSD, phobias, anxiety, depression, and other causes.
Identifying the cause of the panic attack can often help patients to feel better and to prevent future attacks. For many patients, the experience of a panic attack can be so terrifying that they actually experience future attacks because they become so anxious over the fear of having them. When no other psychological or medical conditions can be found, identifying the stimuli, situation, or thought or behavior pattern that initiated the attack can help prevent excessive anxiety and lessen the chances of another panic attack in the future.
Summary
Panic attacks can be extremely stressful and terrifying. If you have experienced a panic attack, it is important that you are able to identify the cause. Speaking with a medical or mental health professional can help you determine what caused your panic attack and can help you see that these attacks are not life threatening.
Could I Be Having a Panic Attack?
While asking yourself certain questions during a panic attack might be impossible depending on the severity, it can help to understand what criteria help determine if you are experiencing a panic attack. This can help you understand what is happening and whether or not you need to speak with a doctor or mental health professional.
Are you experiencing a period of intense fear that started suddenly and peaked within about ten minutes?
If so, ask if you have experienced any of the following during this period:
- Chest pain or chest discomfort
- Chills or hot flushes
- Feelings that things are not real (derealization) or a feeling of being detached from yourself (depersonalization)
- Fear of losing control
- A feeling that you are choking
- Feeling faint, lightheaded, dizzy, or unsteady
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat
- Numbness or tingling
- A feeling of being smothered or shortness of breath
- A sense of impending doom
- Trembling or shaking
- Sweating
If you experienced at least four of these symptoms during the period of intense fear, then you have most likely experienced a panic attack. If possible, write down your symptoms and recollections as soon as the episode has ended so that you can offer your doctor the best idea of what has happened to you. This can help greatly in making a diagnosis. Panic attacks can be treated, and speaking with someone can not only help keep them from happening, but can help determine what is causing them.