Comments on: Panic Attack? Just The Facts! http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/ Exploring Healthy Psychotherapy Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:06:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: John http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-42187 John Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:30:31 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-42187 Becki I think people could cut down panic attacks and anxiety if they target the source of the anxiety and try to change their thought patterns. I've also written a number of articles on my site which my be helpful. Becki I think people could cut down panic attacks and anxiety if they target the source of the anxiety and try to change their thought patterns. I’ve also written a number of articles on my site which my be helpful.

]]> By: Joan http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26254 Joan Fri, 01 Jan 2010 03:58:54 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26254 This is a fascinating thread! Thank you Becki. Can young children have panic attacks too? I saw a five year old have what her mother thinks could be the start of asthma because there's a family history. I would have said it was more like a panic attack. They had been arguing just before I arrived. This is a fascinating thread! Thank you Becki.

Can young children have panic attacks too? I saw a five year old have what her mother thinks could be the start of asthma because there’s a family history. I would have said it was more like a panic attack. They had been arguing just before I arrived.

]]> By: Becki Hein http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26235 Becki Hein Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:51:14 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26235 re: Katherine Many times people start being fearful of having another panic attack, especially in public. Fear just increases the probability that it might happen. I think one of the best ways to combat this is to be prepared. Practice your breathing and grounding skills every day. (EVERY DAY!) That way your body is used to calming itself quickly and easily. Then use your logical thinking. You know that the panic symptoms are not harmful so as soon as you feel any symptoms coming on, start your breathing, grounding, and "talking yourself down". Use phrases such as " I am healthy, strong, and calm". Some people find that chanting words like this over and over (to themselves if in public) can help re-focus their minds. Some people count. Anything to get your attention off of your symptoms. Read more about grounding here at my previous blog article: http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-calming-skills/ Thanks for your question! re: Katherine
Many times people start being fearful of having another panic attack, especially in public. Fear just increases the probability that it might happen. I think one of the best ways to combat this is to be prepared. Practice your breathing and grounding skills every day. (EVERY DAY!) That way your body is used to calming itself quickly and easily. Then use your logical thinking. You know that the panic symptoms are not harmful so as soon as you feel any symptoms coming on, start your breathing, grounding, and “talking yourself down”. Use phrases such as ” I am healthy, strong, and calm”. Some people find that chanting words like this over and over (to themselves if in public) can help re-focus their minds. Some people count. Anything to get your attention off of your symptoms. Read more about grounding here at my previous blog article:
http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-calming-skills/
Thanks for your question!

]]> By: Becki Hein http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26234 Becki Hein Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:45:15 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26234 Re: Shona Wow, I'm sorry your workplace is so stressful. You might check out my previous blog article:http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-calming-skills/ In it I talk about grounding your excess energy and how proper breathing can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Thanks for your comment! Re: Shona
Wow, I’m sorry your workplace is so stressful. You might check out my previous blog article:http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/self-calming-skills/

In it I talk about grounding your excess energy and how proper breathing can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Thanks for your comment!

]]> By: Becki Hein http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26233 Becki Hein Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:42:19 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26233 re: Meik: I totally agree! Thanks for your comments. The heart attack symptoms I listed are "classic" and there can sometimes be other less common symptoms too. I always say, especially if it's a person's first "panic" experience, get checked out by a doctor. There's nothing wrong with eliminating other possible problems by seeing a doctor. re: Meik: I totally agree! Thanks for your comments. The heart attack symptoms I listed are “classic” and there can sometimes be other less common symptoms too.

I always say, especially if it’s a person’s first “panic” experience, get checked out by a doctor. There’s nothing wrong with eliminating other possible problems by seeing a doctor.

]]> By: Becki Hein http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26232 Becki Hein Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:38:30 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26232 Thanks for all your comments! re: Cassie: So far, "spaced out" is not a description I've heard used for a panic attack. Most people report that their thoughts are racing. If you have any doubt about what you've experience, I always recommend checking with a doctor. Thanks for all your comments!
re: Cassie: So far, “spaced out” is not a description I’ve heard used for a panic attack. Most people report that their thoughts are racing. If you have any doubt about what you’ve experience, I always recommend checking with a doctor.

]]> By: carmella Q. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26088 carmella Q. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:31:13 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26088 My uncle once had a panic attack and as there was nobody else in the house at that time, I had to go and be by his side and his reaction almost gave me a panic attack! I was so frightened and dialled emergency... I think each one of us must educate ourselves about this and will be in a better position if we or anybody around us happens to have a panic attack. My uncle once had a panic attack and as there was nobody else in the house at that time, I had to go and be by his side and his reaction almost gave me a panic attack! I was so frightened and dialled emergency…

I think each one of us must educate ourselves about this and will be in a better position if we or anybody around us happens to have a panic attack.

]]> By: Miek http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26078 Miek Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:08:23 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26078 Nathaniel, I meant to say that you can't help people who are suffering of panic attacks, by telling them over and over again that there is maybe something wrong with their heart. Somatization means that one expressess his psychological and social stress by physical symptoms. So, in that case, it's wrong to give attention only to the body sensations and not to the real cause: the psychological and social factors.(see also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somatization). So I think it's important to exclude a disease of the heart, especially the first time someone has a panic attack, or if someone has risk factors for a heart attack. But a professional (doctor, psychologist) won't help someone with panic attacks if he always think: 'Oh, I hope he hasn't got a heart attack!'. Most of the time it's really clear for a doctor or a professional to see if someone has a heart attack/ angina or a panic attack. But the symptoms that are described here aren't always as clear! The symptoms are the symptoms for a 'model' patient with a heart attack. But, 'models patients' are rather rare in the real world. So, if you had a panic attack for the first time, I think it's better you speak about it with your physician. He/ she knows you better and knows better when you need a physical examination or, hopefully and most of the time, when there is no reason to worry and you probably had a panic attack. I'm telling this as a physician and as a student in psychology (who speaks no English, normally, so that's the reason why sometimes I'm not totally clear ;o) ). Nathaniel, I meant to say that you can’t help people who are suffering of panic attacks, by telling them over and over again that there is maybe something wrong with their heart. Somatization means that one expressess his psychological and social stress by physical symptoms. So, in that case, it’s wrong to give attention only to the body sensations and not to the real cause: the psychological and social factors.(see also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somatization).
So I think it’s important to exclude a disease of the heart, especially the first time someone has a panic attack, or if someone has risk factors for a heart attack. But a professional (doctor, psychologist) won’t help someone with panic attacks if he always think: ‘Oh, I hope he hasn’t got a heart attack!’. Most of the time it’s really clear for a doctor or a professional to see if someone has a heart attack/ angina or a panic attack. But the symptoms that are described here aren’t always as clear! The symptoms are the symptoms for a ‘model’ patient with a heart attack. But, ‘models patients’ are rather rare in the real world. So, if you had a panic attack for the first time, I think it’s better you speak about it with your physician. He/ she knows you better and knows better when you need a physical examination or, hopefully and most of the time, when there is no reason to worry and you probably had a panic attack.
I’m telling this as a physician and as a student in psychology (who speaks no English, normally, so that’s the reason why sometimes I’m not totally clear ;o) ).

]]> By: Sandy http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26074 Sandy Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:55:57 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26074 Why is it that some people simply are more prone to experiencing panic attacks and yet there are other people who never have to experience this feeling? I have had one before in my life that I can pinpoint and it was a dang scary feeling, nothing that I would veer wish on anyone else. Why is it that some people simply are more prone to experiencing panic attacks and yet there are other people who never have to experience this feeling? I have had one before in my life that I can pinpoint and it was a dang scary feeling, nothing that I would veer wish on anyone else.

]]> By: danielson http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26068 danielson Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:48:52 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26068 Well I just think it is very important for an individual to think for himself and make sure that he does not troublem himself by getting under unnecessary worries. Although no one's life is without problems and issues, it is far better to think of getting a solution to the problems and issue than to fret about them and afftect our health! Well I just think it is very important for an individual to think for himself and make sure that he does not troublem himself by getting under unnecessary worries. Although no one’s life is without problems and issues, it is far better to think of getting a solution to the problems and issue than to fret about them and afftect our health!

]]> By: Pearl http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26055 Pearl Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:03:55 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26055 It is so good to see the differences between a heart attack and a panic attack laid out in such a clear, easy manner. When you get to my age, you want to know how to tell them apart and fast. Thanks Becki! It is so good to see the differences between a heart attack and a panic attack laid out in such a clear, easy manner. When you get to my age, you want to know how to tell them apart and fast. Thanks Becki!

]]> By: Nathaniel http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26051 Nathaniel Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:24:53 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26051 Meik, thanks for the additional information. What is the meaning of somatisation please? I didn't understand your phrase: "We don’t need to increase somatisation by these people." Meik, thanks for the additional information. What is the meaning of somatisation please? I didn’t understand your phrase: “We don’t need to increase somatisation by these people.”

]]> By: Shona http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26046 Shona Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:30:09 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26046 Hi Becki. Thank you for a good read. I've not had a panic attack although feel that I'm heading towards one due to workplace stress. I'm at my most anxious at work and can't just go off to find a spot to meditate. Can you suggest what steps could I take to settle myself down when I'm on the job that would be discreet? Our office is open plan. Hi Becki. Thank you for a good read. I’ve not had a panic attack although feel that I’m heading towards one due to workplace stress. I’m at my most anxious at work and can’t just go off to find a spot to meditate. Can you suggest what steps could I take to settle myself down when I’m on the job that would be discreet? Our office is open plan.

]]> By: Katherine http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26044 Katherine Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:12:26 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26044 What can you do if you're in a public place when it happens? I have a fear of falling apart in front of strangers. So far any I had happened at home, late at night. My father would be horrified if I were to make a public spectacle of myself. What can you do if you’re in a public place when it happens? I have a fear of falling apart in front of strangers. So far any I had happened at home, late at night. My father would be horrified if I were to make a public spectacle of myself.

]]> By: Miek http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26042 Miek Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:50:27 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26042 I agree with most of your article, but let's consider 'angina pectoris' too... So the duration of the complaints and also (even when one has an heart attack) the place and the type of the pain patients are feeling, aren't so obvious like you wrote it here. Also, panic can be a provocative factor of angina or a heart attack. Even for a doctor it isn't always clear what the patient has. An ECG can help to make the differential diagnosis. Unfortunately, cases as these, aren't an exception...: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15259595 I don't say that every pain on the chest has to been seen by a doctor, surely not. We don't need to increase somatisation by these people. But if it's the first time, or if the person has risk factors for angina or a heart attack, you would better be careful. I agree with most of your article, but let’s consider ‘angina pectoris’ too… So the duration of the complaints and also (even when one has an heart attack) the place and the type of the pain patients are feeling, aren’t so obvious like you wrote it here. Also, panic can be a provocative factor of angina or a heart attack. Even for a doctor it isn’t always clear what the patient has. An ECG can help to make the differential diagnosis.
Unfortunately, cases as these, aren’t an exception…: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15259595

I don’t say that every pain on the chest has to been seen by a doctor, surely not. We don’t need to increase somatisation by these people.
But if it’s the first time, or if the person has risk factors for angina or a heart attack, you would better be careful.

]]> By: Cassie V. http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychology-panic-attack-facts/#comment-26040 Cassie V. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:49:00 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/?p=5930#comment-26040 Ohhhhhh!! I think I had one of those and didn't know it. Does you become "spaced out"? Like a clockwork toy that has wound down and just stopped? That's how I would describe the episode. It was as if my mind had been wiped of all thought. I felt very nervous too. It only lasted perhaps three minutes and I was very conscious of the fact that I couldn't think, which made it scary. Thanks Becki. Ohhhhhh!! I think I had one of those and didn’t know it. Does you become “spaced out”? Like a clockwork toy that has wound down and just stopped? That’s how I would describe the episode. It was as if my mind had been wiped of all thought. I felt very nervous too. It only lasted perhaps three minutes and I was very conscious of the fact that I couldn’t think, which made it scary. Thanks Becki.

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