Supporting patients with anxiety and panic attacks

Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion, but when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder. Anxiety disorders form a category of mental health diagnoses that lead to excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension and worry. These disorders can alter how a person processes emotions and behaves, and can also cause physical symptoms.

Panic disorder is a specific anxiety disorder characterised by recurrent unexpected panic attacks. These are sudden periods of intense fear that may induce palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a feeling that something terrible is going to happen. Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep and can vary in length from a few minutes to several hours. What's more, panic disorder can also develop into agoraphobia, a condition in which the person avoids places or situations that might trigger a panic attack.

Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Panic disorder is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, financial problems, or job stress can trigger a panic attack. Panic disorder is also more common in people who have a family history of the disorder or a history of other mental health disorders.

Panic disorder is usually diagnosed by a mental health professional, who will take a detailed history of the symptoms involved, including when the panic attacks occur, how often they occur, and what the person does in response to them. A physical examination may also be done to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Treatment typically includes cognitive-behavioural therapy - or CBT - which is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also be used in conjunction with this kind of therapy.

With the help of professional therapy, this disorder can be treated and managed successfully.

If you'd like to know more about how MyHelp can be used to support your patients with their anxiety, get in touch.