What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is frightening. It brings your functioning to a sudden and screeching halt. Panic attacks that recur and are unexpected characterize the diagnosis of Panic Disorder. They can also occur within the context of any other anxiety disorder, or any other diagnosis even. Panic attacks can occur with depressive disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders, and even some medical conditions (e.g. cardiac, respiratory, vestibular, gastrointestinal).
What does a panic attack feel like?
A panic attack comes on suddenly, from a calm or anxious state. The DSM-5-TR describes it as "an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes."
What are the specific symptoms of a panic attack?
Here are the specific symptoms that might occur, usually several:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Sensations of shortness of breath of smothering.
- Feelings of choking.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Nausea or abdominal distress.
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.
- Chills or heat sensations.
- Paresthesiasis (numbing or tingling sensations).
- Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself).
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
- Fear of dying.
Culture-specific symptoms such as tinnitus, neck soreness, headache, uncontrollable screaming or crying may sometimes be seen also.
How are panic attacks treated?
Anne Lindyberg, LMHC, LCPC uses Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (Satir model) , Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) and EMDR to support transformational healing of panic attacks.
How long will treatment take?
The answer to this question is very individual and depends on many different factors. Treatment is a process that occurs over the course of weekly, 55 minute sessions. Significant and enduring change can often occur in as few as 12 appointments. For individuals with treatment complexity--including psychotropic medication use, hospitalizations, several diagnostic presentations at the same time, and individuals over the age of 30--the expectation is that treatment would take from six months to three years. The client's motivation, the reliability of their support system, their ability to focus their attentions and efforts on their own healing--all of these factors make complete remission more likely.
When can I get started?
Click on the "Free Consult" button on this page to complete our short questionnaire and be routed to the scheduler to book your time to talk with Anne directly and ask all your questions.
Midwest Center for Transformational Change PLC
