Fact #1] Panic attacks don’t kill people. No matter how frightening
they may be, not one person has ever died from a panic attack. (This fact is supported by the research literature, which to
my knowledge does not report a single case of death due to an episode of panic.) This is certainly good news to those
who have suffered panic attacks. Henceforth, you will be armed with the knowledge and understanding that episodes of panic
are not fatal; Uncomfortable and unpleasant, to be sure, but you can now say to yourself, “I will definitely survive
this episode!”
[Fact #2] Panic attacks have a temporal course that is relatively short in duration. In most instances they reach
their peak (i.e., point of maximum intensity) in approximately 10 minutes. Their intensity usually diminishes within the next
30 to 60 minutes but on some occasions, residual unpleasant sensations can last for a number of hours. Here again there’s
good news: For even though the experience of a panic attack can be extremely unpleasant, the unpleasantness generally
doesn’t endure for too long. So, in the future if you do have a panic attack you can remind yourself, “this certainly
does feel very uncomfortable, but fortunately in only 10 minutes or so I’ll feel better!”
[Fact #3] Panic attacks respond very well to effective treatment. In most cases, significant improvement occurs
within a period of 12 weeks. Psychotherapeutic treatment generally consists of a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy,
psycho-education and instruction in abdominal breathing, relaxation and imaging techniques. In cases where symptoms are severe,
disruptive, or cause significant impairment in one’s ability to function, certain medications can be very helpful. (Please
click on the heading “medications” for detailed information). These medications are highly efficacious in their
ability to greatly reduce the unpleasant symptoms associated with panic attacks. (*Please see cautionary note below regarding
use of medications.) So, if you suffer from panic attacks, take heart and remind yourself of the good news that,
“help is available and the prognosis is favorable!”
*Cautionary note: It is strongly recommended that medications should be prescribed only by a psychiatrist
or other qualified medical practitioner with expertise in treating panic attacks.
DEFINITION OF A PANIC ATTACK
A panic attack (sometimes referred to as panic anxiety)
is characterized by the abrupt onset of an episode of intense fear or discomfort that usually peaks within ten minutes.
Panic attacks generally include at least 4 of the following symptoms:
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A feeling of imminent danger
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The need to escape
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Palpitations, pounding heart, accelerated heart rate
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Shortness of breath
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A fear of dying
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A fear of losing control
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Sweating
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Trembling
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Tingling sensations
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Chills or hot flashes
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A feeling of choking
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Chest pain or discomfort
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Nausea or abdominal discomfort
you can visit this web page from oprah.com to see videos about personalities suffering from this disorder.
