What can you do to help when a panic attack occurs?
Q: My sister is in her 40s, recently divorced, and has just started suffering from panic attacks. What can we do to help when an attack occurs?
A: A panic attack can be very frightening. Usually lasting between five and 10 minutes, it can recur in waves for up to two hours.
The physical symptoms of a panic attack, like hyperventilation, confusion, cramps, palpitations and dizziness, occur because of an "overdrive" of nervous impulses from the brain to various parts of the body during the panic attack.
It does not mean that there is a physical problem with the heart or chest, and understanding this should reassure your sister.
An occasional panic attack does not require treatment but if attacks are recurring (panic disorder), she should get medical help.
The usual treatment prescribed is anti-depressants. They work by interfering with brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, which may be involved in causing symptoms of panic.
If it works, she may be required to take an anti-depressant for at least a year.
Her use of the anti-depressant medication, including dosage and duration, will be determined by her doctor.
