Do not fear, panic attack syndrome ‘is treatable’

IT MAY feel like death approaching: frantic heart palpitations, breathlessness, hot flushes, dizziness and shaking.

But despite the symptoms, panic attacks, believed by some researchers to occur when the brain’s normal mechanism for reacting to a threat is inappropriately aroused, are not fatal.

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) there is much misunderstanding, stigma and shame around sufferers of both panic attacks – and those with panic disorder.

According to Sadag, physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, tingling, and chest pains can occur during everyday activities such a driving, sitting in a movie theatre or sleeping.

While debilitating in the moment, Sadag director Cassey Chambers said both conditions were treatable.

“Panic is terrifying and so many people are still ashamed and believe it is due to a person’s weakness,” she said. “This is not true. Panic is an illness and can be treated.”

According to anxiety expert psychologist Dr Colinda Linde, most people who experience panic attacks feel as if they are going crazy or are out of control. Others may also feel anxious about the possibility of having another panic attack and avoid situations in which they believe these attacks are likely to occur.

This, she explained is where the danger comes in, anxiety about having another attack and the avoidance it causes.

“For example, someone who has had a panic attack while driving may be afraid to get behind the wheel again, even to drive to the local supermarket. Panic attacks may occur at night resulting in disturbed sleep as the person awakes in a state terror.

“The experience is so distressing that some people who have nocturnal panic attacks become afraid to go to sleep and suffer sleep deprivation and exhaustion. People who develop these panic-induced phobias tend to avoid situations they fear will trigger a panic attack and their lives may be increasingly limited as a result,” Linde said, adding that extreme cases of panic can lead to agoraphobia, which is a fear of going outdoors.

Sadag said treatment involved Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which focuses on identifying, confronting of and testing negative thoughts and assumptions with reality. This method is meant to encourage a more realistic way of thinking about fearful situations and challenge anxiety-provoking thoughts. Around eight to 10 sessions are usually required.

“Going for CBT therapy, learning self-help tips, joining a support group and learning more about panic can help you take back control of your life,” Sadag founder and director Zane Wilson said.

They can be reached on 0800 20 50 26 or via their website. —