Counseling Services of Barbara Reade, L.C.P.C.
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Phone: 410-803-1510

Email: reade.lcpc@yahoo.com  

Panic Attacks

Panic Attacks

The DSM IV describes the symptoms of panic attacks as:

A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes:

1.   palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate

2.   sweating

3.   trembling or shaking

4.   sensations of shortness of breath or smothering

5.   feeling of choking

6.   chest pain or discomfort

7.   nausea or abdominal distress

8.   feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint

9.   derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached   from oneself)

10. fear of losing control or going crazy

11. fear of dying

12. paresthesias (numbing or tingling sensations)

13. chills or hot flushes

If you are experiencing these symptoms, counseling can be very helpful in treating this disorder. Depending on the severity of the symptoms this treatment may also be accompanied by medication prescribed by your family doctor or a psychiatrist. You may also being experiencing these symptoms as part of a medical problem or as part of other psychological diagnoses including PTSD or Anxiety Disorder. A thorough assessment by a licensed professional counselor and a physician will help you to determine the basis of your panic attack symptoms and best course of treatment.