Panic attacks
Panic attacks are a quite recently evolved term for the sensations associated with difficult, stressful situations. These attacks typically effect people under the age of thirty and can present with the following symptoms -
Sweating, shortness of breath, pounding heart beat, chest tightness, shaking and trembling, feeling of choking, tingling, hot and cold flushes, fainting, diarrhoea, nausea, sensations of unreality, fear of loosing control, and the fear of dying or going insane.
Many people may experience some of the above on stressful occasions but not on a regular basis. Individuals that are diagnosed as suffering from panic attacks would experience at least four episodes in any four week period.
Case history
A man in his late twenties was referred by his GP following three admissions to Hospital Accident and Emergency Departments with possible heart attacks. Full investigations found no evidence of heart disease and the patient was referred back to his GP if similar symptoms recurred. The panic attacks were simply resolved under hypnosis which revealed that he had an unresolved relationship problem.
Techniques used to resolve this condition
Desensitisation of the initial ‘trigger’ event, is a very effective technique to resolve the problem on a permanent basis.
Outcomes and Benefits of hypnotherapy in this condition
Persistent panic attacks are very disabling and alarming, hypnosis provides a very effective technique to resolve this condition and restore a person’s confidence.
GP referral
Generally desirable but not essential.
Typical duration of therapy
Normally this problem requires up to four sessions with CD support.
