Tag: panic disorder

How medical treatment or counselling/psychotherapy can help

Both medical treatment and counselling/psychotherapy can be helpful in the treatment panic attacks and panic disorder. It is recommended that both medical and psychological treatment is sort. It is important to have a medical check up to ensure that the symptoms you are experiencing are not related to a medical condition.

Once medical conditions have been ruled out, medication may be helpful in the treatment of panic attacks and panic disorder. These include anti-depressants such as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors SRI’s (Prozac or Luvox), tricyclic antidepressants (ie Tofranil or Anafranil) or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax). If you are considering medication for panic attacks or panic disorder you should discuss this with a medical professional such as a general practitioner (GP) or psychiatrist.

Psychological treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder may focus on the following;

• Psychoeducation about anxiety, panic attacks and panic disorder
• Changing unhelpful behaviour patterns
• Changing unhelpful thinking patterns
• Exposure to physical sensations related to panic
• Normalising thoughts related to the physical sensations of anxiety and panic
• Problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Relaxation strategies
• Breathing strategies
• Mindfulness skills
• Thought stopping and distraction techniques
• Addressing avoidance and ‘safety’ behaviour
• Exploring the psychological significance of panic and unconscious conflicts and addressing interpersonal issues related to panic (such as unconscious anger towards loved ones, fearful dependency, ambivalent attachment patterns, ambivalent feelings about autonomy, fear of loss or abandonment)
• Encouraging emotional experience and expression
• Developing exercise routines
• Relapse prevention

If you are experiencing any difficulties with anxiety, panic attacks or other mental health issues and would like help please contact Sherry-Lee Smith on 042 135 1020 or smith.sherrylee@gmail.com

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Contact

Mt Lawley Counselling Centre

13 Alvan St

Mt Lawley, Perth Western Australia 6050

Sherry-Lee Smith

Registered Psychologist

Factors that contribute to the development of panic attacks and panic disorder

There are many factors that contribute to the occurrence of panic attacks and the development of panic disorder. Some of these risk factors include;

• Temperamental factors –such as negative affectivity (neuroticism), a person’s proneness to experience negative emotions, anxiety sensitivity or separation anxiety in childhood
• Environmental factors –such as;
  • a history of sexual and physical abuse or other traumatic events
  • smoking
  • identifiable life stressors (interpersonal stress and stress related to physical wellbeing such as negative experiences with illicit or prescription drugs, disease or death in the family, separation from parents, childhood illness, divorce or the addition of a baby to the family)
  • family violence or alcohol abuse
• Genetic and physiological factors– such as a genetic vulnerability towards anxiety or other mental health issues and family history of panic attacks or panic disorder
• Intrapsychic and relationship issues (ambivalent attachment patterns, underlying psychic conflicts/defences, fears of loss or abandonment, conflicted feelings about autonomy, unexpressed anger towards loved ones

If you are experiencing any difficulties with anxiety, panic attacks or other mental health issues and would like help please contact Sherry-Lee Smith on 042 135 1020 or smith.sherrylee@gmail.com

Home Page

Contact

Mt Lawley Counselling Centre

13 Alvan St

Mt Lawley, Perth Western Australia 6050

Sherry-Lee Smith

Registered Psychologist

Sherry-Lee Smith

Registered Psychologist

Perth, Western Australia

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is one of the most common mental health issues. When a person has recurrent unexpected panic attacks they may have what is known as Panic Disorder. However most individuals with panic disorder experience both expected and unexpected panic attacks. Sufferers of this disorder often have worries that the symptoms of panic are caused by life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks or strokes, or worry they might have a seizure, faint, stop breathing, lose control, collapse or even die. Unfortunately, thoughts of this type often exacerbate the panic response and make it more difficult for the person to manage the ensuing anxiety.

Individuals with panic disorder persistently worry about having more panic attacks or what might happen as a consequence of having another panic attack. They may have worries about illnesses, being embarrassed or judged negatively by other people. Sometimes they have concerns about going crazy or losing control.

In response to these worries individuals with panic disorder will change they behaviour to avoid panic attacks or minimise the chances of having a panic attack. Some people will avoid exercise, restructure their lives so that they don’t have to visit places that are anxiety provoking, or ensuring help is always available or nearby (i.e. a doctor or significant other). This can significantly impact a person’s ability to live a functional and product life. Furthermore, although these changes in behaviour temporarily reduce anxiety, over time they reinforce the fear of having more panic attacks.

The severity of symptoms in panic disorder often wax and wane overtime. If left untreated panic disorder is most often a chronic condition which reduces a person’s quality of life. It is important to seek professional help if you think you or someone you care about has panic disorder.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with anxiety, panic attacks or other mental health issues and would like help please contact Sherry-Lee Smith on 042 135 1020 or smith.sherrylee@gmail.com

Home Page

Contact

Mt Lawley Counselling Centre

13 Alvan St

Mt Lawley, Perth Western Australia 6050

Sherry-Lee Smith

Registered Psychologist