Panic disorder

Symptoms of panic disorder include feeling anxious and having sudden panic attacks.

Panic disorder is usually treated with talking therapies and medicines. Things like exercise, massage, breathing techniques and yoga can also help.

Anxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe, and can include feelings of worry and fear. Panic is the most severe form of anxiety.

You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll trigger another attack.

This can create a cycle of living "in fear of fear". It can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.

Panic attacks

During a panic attack you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason.

A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.

Symptoms include:

• a racing heartbeat
• feeling faint
• sweating
• nausea
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• trembling
• hot flushes
• chills
• shaky limbs
• a choking sensation
• dizziness
• numbness or pins and needles
• dry mouth
• a feeling of dread or a fear of dying
• a churning stomach
• a tingling in your fingers
• feeling like you're not connected to your body

Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour.

The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your condition is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week.

Although panic attacks are frightening, they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm, and it's unlikely you'll be admitted to hospital if you have one.

Be aware that most of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions or problems, so you may not always be experiencing a panic attack.

For example, you may have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.

Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.

Talking therapies and medicine are the main treatments for panic disorder. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms.

The next time you feel a panic attack coming on:

• stay where you are, if possible
• breathe slowly and deeply
• remind yourself that the attack will pass
• focus on positive, peaceful and relaxing images
• remember it's not life threatening

Preventing a further attack

It may help to:

• read a self-help book for anxiety based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – ask your GP to recommend one
• try activities like yoga and pilates, to help you relax
• learn breathing exercises for stress to help ease symptoms
• do regular physical exercise to reduce stress and tension
• avoid sugary food and drinks, caffeine and alcohol, and stop smoking, as they can all make attacks worse