A panic attack is an overwhelming feeling of fear, anxiety or discomfort. Panic attacks are often one of the symptoms of an anxiety disorder called panic disorder. Sometimes, people might describe a panic attack as an anxiety attack. However, the latter is not a recognised medical term.

People may describe having an anxiety attack when they experience increased anxiety or when they are experiencing a panic attack. In this article, we provide an overview of anxiety and panic attacks. You can also find more information on panic disorder in one of our other articles.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life, but an anxiety disorder is different. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety may feel like it doesn’t go away and can get worse over time.

The feelings can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. Anxiety disorders form a category of mental health diagnoses and encompass a range of disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, and illness anxiety. Panic disorder, whereby people experience ongoing difficulties with panic attacks, is also a type of anxiety disorder.

What does a panic attack feel like?

A Panic attack is a brief episode of intense anxiety or fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, trembling and muscle tension. Panic attacks tend to come on suddenly and last 5-10 minutes.

Panic attacks can be one-off, or several panic attacks can occur in quick succession, making it feel like one long panic attack. Someone experiencing a panic attack can sometimes fear they are experiencing a heart attack.

What do you do if you experience a panic attack?

This is what you can try at the time the main symptoms occur:

• Focus your attention on something outside your body and symptoms, such as counting backwards in threes from 100

• Remind yourself that the symptoms of a panic attack are frightening but not life-threatening.

What sort of treatments are available for panic attacks, panic disorder, anxiety attacks and anxiety disorders?

Treatments for anxiety disorders, including panic attacks or panic disorder can include:

• Medications (prescribed by a medical practitioner)

• Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy

• Stress management techniques

• Breathing techniques

• Relaxation techniques

• Learning problem-solving skills

• Lifestyle adjustments, such as attention to diet, exercise and sleep.

When to seek treatment for anxiety and panic?

Many people feel anxious and stressed and experience fear and anxiety at different times throughout their lives. This does not necessarily mean you need to seek treatment from a doctor or mental health professional to manage your stress.

If you are experiencing recurring and unexpected panic attacks and persistent fears of repeated attacks, you may have panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. You should make an appointment with your doctor or mental health professional to discuss a treatment plan.

Similarly, people experiencing symptoms of anxiety that are causing significant distress and are interfering with day-to-day functioning may want to consider seeking treatment. Psychological treatment can help a person understand their triggers for stress and manage anxiety symptoms.

Meet Your Clinical Psychologists In Newcastle

Dr Emma Doolan is a Clinical Psychologist based in Newcastle. With a collaborative and evidence-based approach, she helps clients overcome various challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. 

Emma is experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other modalities like schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has completed her registration as a clinical psychologist from AHPRA. Emma is a member of several professional associations, including ACPA, APS, AACBT, and APN.

Paige Cornell is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who has experience in therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. She focuses on building a solid therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each individual. Paige has experience in private practice, NGOs, and forensic settings. 

She works with a diverse range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, relationship problems, substance abuse, and offending behaviours. Paige is particularly interested in helping LGBTQI+ individuals and those dealing with trauma and substance abuse. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and a board-approved supervisor for psychologists. Paige is a member of ACPA and APS, holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychological Science (Honours).

Taylah Armstrong is a Clinical Psychologist in Newcastle. She focuses on developing solid therapeutic relationships to assist individuals in enhancing their well-being and achieving their goals. Taylah is skilled in treating various concerns such as anxiety, stress, mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders. 

She utilises evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Taylah has worked in public healthcare, primary care, and education sectors. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist by AHPRA and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle.

Paige Whitfield is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle with experience in private and public health settings. She collaborates with health professionals, families, and schools to provide evidence-based treatments like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and ACT for various issues. Paige has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Honours) and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and is a member of APS and ACPA.

Dr Kaitlin Fitzgerald is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy. She creates a warm and relaxed environment for clients, aiming to make therapy sessions comfortable and even enjoyable. Kaitlin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. In addition to her private practice at ELD Psychology, she also works in public mental health treating adults with various mental health issues. 

Kaitlin has experience working with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. She is skilled in evidence-based therapies like CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. Kaitlin is fully registered as a clinical psychologist with AHPRA and is approved to supervise provisional and registered psychologists.

Eliza Newton is a person-centred Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping clients explore their deeper selves. She tailors her approach to each client, using psychodynamic therapy for self-exploration or structured techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Eliza focuses on individuals overcoming childhood trauma, including Complex PTSD, and helps those with ADHD develop organisational and emotional well-being strategies. With experience in private practice, inpatient settings, and psychiatric rehabilitation, she addresses challenges from anxiety and mood disorders to severe mental illness.

Eliza holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University. She is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of AAPi and ACPA.

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is intended for Australian audiences and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here is based on general knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, but it may not be applicable to your specific situation.

Always seek the advice of your psychologist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition or treatment. Never disregard professional psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, or dial 000 immediately. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations or institutions.