Panic Attack - DRHC Dubai Psychiatry Clinic

A panic attack is a sudden onset of extreme fear or discomfort with multiple physical and psychological symptoms that reach peak intensity within minutes. A panic attack usually causes extreme breathing difficulties (‘breath is stuck in the throat’), palpitations, sweating, and tremors, associated with a fear of impending doom. The individual experiencing the panic attack and the onlookers frequently mistake it for a ‘heart attack or Panic Attacks’. When one starts experiencing panic attacks, they usually visit the ER immediately following the attack to seek urgent treatment; however, all investigations are usually normal. Panic attacks can be expected when there is an obvious trigger (personal, social, or environmental), or they can be unexpected without any trigger (like when one is relaxing or just waking up from sleep).

It is important to differentiate panic attacks from anxiety attacks. An anxiety attack is the gradual onset of unnecessary fear without any perceived threat. It causes one to experience undue worry and apprehensions associated with restlessness, nausea, or a churning feeling in the stomach.

Both panic and anxiety attacks can have similar physical symptoms and presentation; however, panic attacks happen suddenly but are more intense, while anxiety attacks happen slowly and are less intense but last longer.

What to do if you have a panic attack:

It is important to understand and prepare yourself if you are prone to developing panic attacks.

• Do Not Fight It
• Stay where you are
• Remind Yourself — It will pass
• Breathe slowly and deeply
• Focus on positive, peaceful, and relaxing images
• Once breathing improves, have water or something sweet (chocolate)

Ways to prevent panic attacks:

• Practice deep breathing exercises daily to help prevent panic attacks and relieve them when they happen
• Do regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, to help you to manage stress levels, release tension, improve your mood, and boost confidence
• Eat regular meals to stabilize your blood sugar levels
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking – these can make panic attacks worse
• Consult a psychiatrist or a therapist for an effective treatment plan
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can identify and change the negative thought patterns that are feeding your panic attacks.

If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of a Panic Attack, please don't hesitate to contact our best psychiatrist in Dubai at the Dr. Rami Hamed Center, Call +97142798200 to Schedule Your Appointment Today. We have the best psychiatry doctor, and our psychiatry clinic is situated in Dubai Healthcare City.