Panic Attack/Panic Disorder Counselling & Therapy

A panic attack is an intense and sudden feeling of extreme anxiety and fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. It can happen at any time, without any real warning.

In Australia, more than 25% of people have experienced a panic attack at some point in their life. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you’ve had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.

Signs of a Panic Attack

  • Sense of impending doom or danger
  • Fear of loss of control or death
  • Rapid, pounding heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat
  • Chills
  • Hot flashes
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Chest pain
  • Headache
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness
  • Numbness or tingling sensation
  • Feeling of unreality or detachment

Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder Treatment

Sehat Psychology therapists treat panic disorder using techniques that have been demonstrated to be the most effective forms of treatment, which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Exposure Therapy:

  1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:  involves teaching you to identify panic attack triggers so you can change your thinking, behaviors and reactions. As you start to respond differently to triggers, the attacks may decrease and ultimately stop.
  2. Exposure Therapy: This involves exposing you gradually and repeatedly — in your imagination and/or in reality — to whatever triggers a panic attack. Over time, you learn to become comfortable with the situation instead of it causing anxiety and panic.

Online Psychologists & Therapists Australia | Adelaide Psychology Clinic

We are at Sehat Psychology,  Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinicians that demonstrate our expertise in the most evidence-based psychotherapy treatment for panic disorder. You can contact us on (08) 7079 9529 or email admin@sehatpsychology.com.au to book an appointment (telehealth or face to face) with our panic attack therapist.

Adelaide Psychologists & Therapists | Panic Attack/Panic Disorder Psychologists & Therapists

Our experienced psychologists can help you understand your panic disorder, identify problem areas and develop an action plan to change your thought processes and manage your panic attacks. Learning to deal with panic attacks can make a lasting difference to your quality of life.