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What is it?

A panic attack is an exaggeration of the body’s normal response to fear, stress or excitement. When faced with a situation perceived as potentially threatening, the body automatically gears itself up for danger by producing quantities of adrenalin for 'fight or flight'.

What happens during one?

• Very rapid breathing or feeling unable to breathe
• Very rapid heartbeat
• Pains in the chest
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Sweating
• Ringing in the ears
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Hot or cold flushes
• Feeling nauseous
• Wanting to go to the toilet
• Feelings of absolute terror. People may fear that the world is going to come to an end, or that they are about to die or go mad.

What can cause them?

Some people experience panic only in response to a particular situation, such as flying or visiting the dentist. Others may feel perfectly fine during a stressful event and have an attack later. Any major life changes and events can trigger panic attacks. Antidepressants, especially the newer ones, can cause panic attacks, particularly when you first start taking them, as can withdrawing from any drug that has a sedative effect (nicotine, alcohol or tranquillisers, for example).

How can you help?

• Comfort the person
• Reassure them everything is going to be ok
• If they are hyperventilating getting them to hold a paper bag over their mouth will help regulate breathing
• Let them have space if they want it – it may be too many people around them that has caused the attack
• If they want it, try talking to them about what caused the attack – by finding rational solutions to the problem it can seem less daunting

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