Panic Attack Counselling in Sydney
Meridian Assessment & Therapy Centre provides counselling for panic and anxiety attacks in Sydney in their bright, welcoming facilities.
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that appears to come out of the blue. For an episode to be diagnosed as a panic attack, four or more of the following symptoms must appear quickly and reach a peak within 10 minutes:
- A pounding heart, accelerated heart rate, or palpitations
- Sweating
- Shaking or trembling
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Feeling like you are choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint
- Derealisation (feelings of unreality) or depersonalisation (being detached from oneself)
- Fear of going crazy or losing control
- Fear of dying
- Feelings of numbness or tingling
- Chills or hot flushes
The presence of fewer than the required four symptoms may be considered a limited symptom panic attack.
Psychological research indicates that approximately 12% of Australians have experienced at least one panic attack in their lives. Panic attacks can be caused by stress and can be transient. Panic attacks can also occur in the context of problems with alcohol or substance abuse or dependence, as a side effect of some medications, or due to underlying medical conditions. If you have experienced a panic attack, you should consult your general practitioner in order to have a health check to rule out a medical cause.
If you have been cleared by a medical examination, your panic attacks may be occurring in the context of an anxiety or a mood disorder. If you are experiencing panic attacks or limited symptom panic attacks, referral to a Clinical Psychologist for assessment and treatment is indicated. Meridian Assessment and Therapy Centre offers professional counselling for anxiety attacks in Sydney.
