Anxiety is something that every person experiences on some level. Events such as an important exam, driving alone for the first time or a date with a thrilling potential partner can make almost anyone anxious. In panic attacks anxiety is elevated to an extreme degree. The mechanism for experiencing stress is triggered in an often regular situation but the person perceives it as catastrophic.
What does a “panic attack” entail and what are the characteristics which can help us recognise its occurrence in ourselves or someone else? When do we speak of a panic disorder? Regardless if we are dealing with textbook panic attacks or just intense fits of anxiety there are known techniques that can be applied to prevent or minimise their effects.
How can we help if someone close to us is experiencing a panic attack? As you might guess, telling them to calm down isn’t usually productive…
Some people are more prone to having panic attacks – what determines one’s susceptibility and how to know if you are at risk?