What Is A Panic Attack?
Panic attacks are single episodes of intense fear or discomfort that begin suddenly and reach a peak within minutes. The cognitive behavioral model of panic suggests that misinterpreting benign body symptoms as a threat leads to activation of the fight-or-flight system, which can in turn exacerbate the intensity of panic symptoms. This educational handout demonstrates a typical escalation sequence for panic attacks
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Panic attacks are single episodes of intense fear or discomfort that begin suddenly and reach a peak within minutes. Particularly common among those who suffer from anxiety (Schmidt, 2006), they are not dangerous, and do not by themselves indicate that treatment is required. Many people only experience a single panic attack in their lifetime, though experiencing one panic attack increases the probability of having another in the future. Physiological symptoms of panic include:
- Palpitations or a pounding heartbeat
- Sweating, trembling, or shaking
- Dry mouth, shortness of breath, or feelings of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Hot flushes or cold chills
- Nausea, churning stomach, dizziness, or light-headedness
- Fear of dying, losing control, going crazy, or passing out
- Numbness or tingling sensations
Psychologist David Clark’s cognitive behavioral model of panic suggests that misinterpreting benign body symptoms as a threat leads to activation of the fight-or-flight system, which can
Therapist Guidance
This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:
- Client handout – a psychoeducation resource.
- Discussion point – to provoke a discussion and explore your client’s beliefs.
- Therapist learning tool – to improve your familiarity with a psychological construct.
- Supervision tool – to develop formulations and knowledge.
- Teaching resource – a learning tool during training.
References And Further Reading
- Clark, D. M. (1986). A cognitive approach to panic. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 24(4), 461-470.
- Clark, D. M., Salkovskis, P. M. (2009). Panic disorder: Manual for improving access to psychological therapy (IAPT) high intensity CBT therapists.
- Schmidt, N. B., Zvolensky, M. J., & Maner, J. K. (2006). Anxiety sensitivity: Prospective prediction of panic attacks and Axis I pathology. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 40(8), 691-699.