A panic attack is a brief, intense period of overwhelming fear or anxiety. These incidents often occur suddenly and can even happen at times when you’ve been feeling calm otherwise.
A panic attack is a brief, intense period of overwhelming fear or anxiety. These incidents often occur suddenly and can even happen at times when you’ve been feeling calm otherwise. Panic attacks tend to include both psychological symptoms and physical ones, such as shortness of breath. They are sometimes a symptom of a broader mental health condition, called panic disorder; however, they can also occur on their own or as part of a different mental health condition, such as agoraphobia, postpartum anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When panic symptoms become overwhelming or interfere with everyday life, it can be helpful to seek the support of a trained mental health professional. Family therapists can help people gain insight into the circumstances that trigger panic attacks and develop strategies for managing the symptoms. This can be done through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which may also include elements of exposure therapy to help reduce the anxiety elicited by triggers. That said, treatment approaches vary; for example, medication management is sometimes part of the overall treatment plan.
Find family therapists in Hawaii who specialize in panic attacks below. Family therapists have been vetted by the Zencare team for clinically rigorous, quality care. Visit their profiles to watch an introductory video and book a free initial call to find a good fit!
