Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Introduction to Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that involve excessive amounts of anxiety, fear, nervousness, worry, or dread. Anxiety that is too constant or too intense can cause a person to feel preoccupied, distracted, tense, and always on alert.

Panic disorder is a condition in which a young person consistently suffers from sudden, severe onsets of anxiety and physical shock, commonly known as “panic attacks.” This differs from other anxiety disorders in that the episodes are more intense and short-lived. Panic attacks only last a few minutes, but their effects can reverberate throughout the rest of the day in the form of shakiness and worry.

You can rest assured that at Skooc, you and your family are in good hands. 

Symptoms of Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Keep a look out for some of the following signs of a panic attack:

• racing heart rate or palpitations, lightheadedness

• chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, feeling like you’re choking

• dizziness or vertigo, nausea

• sweating or chills, shaking or trembling

• changes in your mental state, such as a feeling of derealization (feeling of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)

• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet

• fear that you might die

Keep a look out for some of the following signs of an anxiety attack:

• Excessive fear or anxiety about things before they happen, Becoming easily alarmed or startled

• Excessive worries about school, peers, or extracurricular activities, Avoiding/refusing to go to school

• Constant concern and worry about safety for self or family members

• Irritability, An inability to relax

• Displaying clingy behaviour with parents and family members

• Fear of staying the night away from one’s home

• Inability to concentrate, Trouble sleeping

• Unexpected shortness of breath

• Complaints of physical ailments (stomachaches, headaches, muscle aches, and tension)

• Excessive lethargy or fatigue

If you notice recurring instances of a few of these symptoms in your child, we at Skooc recommend a formal evaluation. Get in touch with a Psychiatrist in India for Depression and Anxiety at Skooc.

Diagnosis

At Skooc, we help you better understand what you are going through. A professional Psychiatrist in India for Depression and Anxiety will determine if you have panic attacks, panic disorder or another condition, such as heart or thyroid problems, with symptoms that resemble panic attacks. This involves having to fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire. To help pinpoint a diagnosis, you may have:

• A complete physical exam

• Blood tests to check your thyroid and other possible conditions and tests on your heart, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

• A psychological evaluation to talk about your symptoms, fears or concerns, stressful situations, relationship problems, situations you may be avoiding, and family history

Anxiety disorders can be treated by mental health professionals or therapists. A therapist can look at the symptoms someone is dealing with, diagnose the specific anxiety disorder, and create a plan to help the person get relief.

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Next Steps and Intervention for Panic Attacks and Anxiety

Our team of professional psychologists at Skooc can help you by providing the necessary interventions. 

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on reducing or eliminating your symptoms. This is achieved through therapy with a qualified professional and, in some cases, medication.

Therapy typically involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and actions so you can understand your panic attacks and manage your fear.

For anxiety, CBT is often used. In CBT, a person learns new ways to think and act in situations that can cause anxiety and to manage and deal with stress. The therapist provides support and guidance and teaches new coping skills, such as relaxation techniques or breathing exercises. Sometimes, but not always, medication is used as part of the treatment for anxiety.

Click to book your first consultation with a Psychiatrist in India for Depression and Anxiety. Skooc is here to help.