Panic attacks & Phobias treatment
A sudden feeling of terror without any warning. A feeling of being out of control, or a fear or death or impending doom? Yes, this is a panic attack. This episode that can appear at any time or any place. Not being prepared about all experiencing all this is as much difficult as knowing all those sensations and worrying about having more episodes.
Phobias, on the other hand, can bring extreme discomfort in one’s life and turn everyday life experiences into challenges. The number of objects and situations that can cause phobia is infinite. In many cases the person is fully aware that the fear is irrational, but still, they will dedicate all their efforts to shape their lives around ways to avoid what they consider to be dangerous. Any meeting with the source of phobia is a source of intense stress. There are cases when is not necessary even to meet with the fear, just the thought about it is enough to create anxiety.
According to large population-based surveys, up to about 34% of the population are affected by an anxiety disorder such as phobia or panic disorder during their lifetime.
Symptoms:
Physical symptoms during a panic attack may include:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Sweating
- Chills
- Trembling
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness or dizziness
- Tingly or numb hands
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain or nausea
The physical symptoms of phobia may include:
- Feeling unsteady, dizzy, lightheaded or faint
- Feeling like you are choking
- A pounding heart, palpitations or accelerated heart rate
- Chest pain or tightness in the chest
- Sweating, hot or cold flushes
- Shortness of breath or a smothering sensation
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Trembling or shaking.
Success:
Research consistently shows that in general talking therapies are more effective than no treatment for both panic attacks and phobias. Treatment might include some of the following ‘ingredients’ which a large number of studies have shown to be helpful:
- Exploring your symptoms and monitoring your progress.
- Education about the nature of anxiety and the fight or flight system.
- Exploring the thoughts that trigger fear and worry.
- Exposure to the body sensations that bother you.
- Behavioural experiments to test some of your beliefs.
- Practicing skills outside of the session.
- Relapse prevention techniques.
Results:
Working with one of our specialists will empower you to understand yourself better and develop coping strategies to manage the way you feel. Instead of living with constant worry and fear, they can lead you towards solutions and strategies to understand your feelings and emotions and create positive pathways and solutions.