Panic attacks and panic disorder

A sudden surge of intense fear with strong physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, breathlessness, shaking, dizziness and a sense of doom. It usually peaks within ten minutes.

No. Panic attacks feel terrifying but are not dangerous. The symptoms are caused by adrenaline and pass on their own.

Most panic attacks peak within about ten minutes and ease over the following half hour, though you may feel shaken for longer.

Stress, caffeine, lack of sleep, and noticing body sensations can all trigger them. Some attacks seem to come out of nowhere.

Panic disorder means having repeated unexpected panic attacks and living in fear of the next one, often avoiding places where attacks have happened.

CBT for panic disorder has strong evidence. It helps you understand the panic cycle and stop fearing body sensations.

If you have chest pain, especially if new, severe or with other warning signs, get urgent medical help. Once heart problems are ruled out, recurring similar episodes are often panic.

Yes. Professionals on Therapy O'Clock work with panic attacks in Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto and English.

This is no longer recommended. Slow, steady breathing is safer and works just as well.

Yes. Night-time panic attacks can wake you from sleep. They are not dangerous and respond to the same treatment.

With treatment most people stop having panic attacks or have them rarely and without fear. CBT often helps within a few months.