Panic Attacks

Panic disorder causes people to have feelings of anxiety, stress and panic at any time, usually for no obvious reason.

Panic attacks cause a rush of intense psychological and physical symptoms, which may include an overwhelming sense of fear, apprehension and anxiety.  Physical symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, trembling and a sensation of irregular heart beats (palpitations) may also occur.

A panic attack can be very frightening and intense but is not dangerous and will not cause physical harm.

At least one person in 10 experiences occasional panic attacks, usually triggered by a stressful event or situation, but people with panic disorder have recurring and regular attacks, often for no apparent reason. Some people may have one or two attacks each month, while others may have several attacks a week.

In the UK, about one person in 100 has panic disorder and it is around twice as common in women as it is in men.

This text gives an overview into the conditions an IAPT service will treat.  It has been prepared here for you to use as you see fit in your locally produced materials.

All material has been taken from NHS Choices and is therefore nationally approved at the time of this toolkit’s publication.  More in depth and up to date information can be found online at NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

The Information Prescription Service available on NHS Choices is an excellent service covering the many different aspects of depression and anxiety disorders.

NHS Choices online: www.nhs.uk