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Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are brought on by social
situations and activities perceived to be a threat to the person. The attack may be the
person's first or they may have had a number of attacks before, attacks may recur
repeatedly and rapidly, however; once these symptoms abate, moderate to severe anxiety may
last for many hours. The symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath with rapid breathing
(or smothering sensations).
- Dizziness, unsteady feelings, or
faintness.
- Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
(feeling one's own heartbeat).
- Trembling or shaking.
- Sweating.
- Choking.
- Nausea or abdominal distress.
- Depersonalization or de-realisation.
- Numbness or tingling sensations (pins and
needles in the arms/legs).
- Flushes (hot flashes) or chills.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
(Normally this is not a heart attack, but if chest pain persists have it checked out by a
Doctor).
- Fear of dying.
- Fear of going crazy or doing something
uncontrolled.
Not all the above symptoms
will be present.
Treatment.
To treat someone who is having a panic attack.
- Avoid becoming caught up in the
panic (remain calm),
- Make direct eye contact and speak clearly
and slowly.
- Identify yourself if you're not known to
the person.
- Give short clear instructions.
- Make calming gestures.
- Allow the casualty some space (don't crowd
them in).
- Minimise embarrassment and avoid an
audience.
- Get them to sit down, if they aren't
already.
- Sit with them at eye level.
- Encourage them to breathe normally. (talk
them through the breathing cycle)
- Inhale, take in long slow deep breath.
(breathe with them)
- Hold breath for +1 seconds.
- Exhale slowly (pucker your lips like
you're going to kiss).
- Tell them to relax in a clam voice, just
before they reach the end of exhalation.
- Start a new breathing cycle while telling
them how well they are doing.
- Continue encouraging them to breathe
normally.
Try these breathing exercises on yourself first! (sitting or lying down)
When you feel you're on top of the
situation, organise transport for the person if he wants to go home or call an Ambulance
to take him to the Hospital. Don't abandon them.
Does the person suffer bouts of
Agoraphobia ?
Anxiety about being in public places or situations from which escape may be difficult (or
embarrassing) or they may feel help may not be available in the event of having an
unexpected panic attack.
Agoraphobic fears typically involve characteristic clusters of situations that include:
- Being outside the home alone.
- Being in a crowd or standing in a line.
- Being on a bridge.
- Travelling in a bus, train, or automobile.
To learn more about "Phobias"
select this link. |
