Panic Attack

Some people have one or maybe two panic attacks in a lifetime. However, if you have repeated panic attacks and live in a constant state of worry about when your next one will occur, you may have a panic disorder.^5,7
That said repeated panic attacks could also be symptomatic of a different condition such as OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder or SAD (social anxiety disorder). For example, someone with OCD might have a panic attack if they are prevented from engaging in ritual or compulsive behaviour. Someone with SAD may have a panic attack before giving a presentation to a group of people at a business meeting.

While panic attacks and anxiety attacks may share similar symptoms, a panic attack is usually more extreme, unexpected, without a clear trigger, happens suddenly and goes away fairly quickly.⁶ Anxiety is excessive or prolonged worry about any number of everyday life events. An anxiety attack often occurs in anticipation of a stressful situation, builds up gradually over a period of time and can last days, weeks, or months.⁶

If you suffer from repeated panic attacks, you may feel concerned that others, even friends and family might make assumptions about you, may treat you differently or tell you are over-sensitive and overreacting.⁹ As a result, you may be reluctant to talk to anyone and might delay getting help.⁹
However, frequent and lengthy panic attacks can become extremely disabling, impacting your ability to function properly at home and at work.⁴ So, the sooner you talk to someone, the sooner you can begin to understand and manage your panic. Panic disorder is a medical condition and it is treatable.

Your doctor will likely assess how often you have panic attacks, the intensity of your symptoms and how long they last. He or she will also ask about your medical history and might also conduct blood tests, for example to see if there is an underlying medical condition.^1,5

Everyone who suffers from panic disorder experiences panic attacks differently so it is important to get professional medical help to:

• Understand what is happening to your body when you have a panic attack
• Figuring out the underlying causes
• Determine the best course of treatment for you

While nutrition, exercise and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol will certainly help to reduce nervous tension and stress, lifestyle changes will not help you to confront your fears. If you are diagnosed with panic disorder, treatment will likely include medication and therapy.