A panic attack is an extreme sense of anxiety or fear that feels uncontrollable. While experiencing a panic attack people may believe they are going to die, that the panic attack will never end, or that they are going crazy these thoughts usually feed the panic attack. Panic disorder develops when the individual begins to fear the chance of another panic attack occurring. As a result, individuals begin avoiding situations or activities that they believe are likely to trigger a panic attack. Often it is the anticipatory fear of having a panic attack that triggers another panic attack to occur which creates a vicious cycle.
Panic Disorder
Confusion
If it’s your first panic attack, you will likely not understand what you’re experiencing. You may even fear that you’re having a heart attack.
Lack Of Control
Panic attacks can make you feel like you have no control over your own body. This can negatively impact your life in many ways including leisure, interpersonal relationships, work, and school.
Hopelessness
If you experience panic attacks often, you may start to feel hopeless. You may believe that you’re going to experience panic attacks forever.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Looking at symptoms on the internet can be alarming. Please keep in mind that symptoms are viewed as one part of a broad picture involving many factors - the presence or absence of the listed symptoms does not mean you do or do not have panic disorder.
Cognitive Symptoms
Fear or worry that you will experience another panic attack.
Behavioural Symptoms
Avoiding people, places, or activities in an attempt to prevent future panic attacks
Somatic Symptoms
Frequent, unexpected panic attacks
Panic attacks that are not triggered by anything
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Having panic attacks are one of the key characteristics of panic disorder. Here are the symptoms of a panic attack itself:
Rapid heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Feeling like you can’t breathe
A choking sensation
Chest pain
Nausea
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Having thoughts such as I’m going to die, I’m going crazy, or I’m losing my mind, accompanied by a sense of fear
Numbness or pins and needles
Chills or hot flushes
Treatment for Panic Disorder
There are a variety of different treatment methods that can be used to treat panic disorder. Speak to your therapist to decide what methods will work best for you. Here are some of the most common forms of treatment:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches clients to recognize how their thoughts impact their feelings and behaviours and to help them evaluate their thoughts to ensure they are in line with the facts of a situation.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy involves providing the client with coping skills and gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation in incremental steps in order to reduce the anxiety they feel when they encounter the feared object or situation.
Therapists Who Can Help
View our experienced therapists who specialize in panic disorder and get the support you need.
Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario
View panic and anxiety resources available to people across Ontario. Find notes on cost, age groups, locations, and more.
Self-Help Strategies
Read through a helpful guide on strategies for coping with panic disorders, created by Anxiety Canada.
Panic Resources
Find information and worksheets to help deal with panic attacks and panic disorder.
