Panic attacks counselling & hx

Question 1

explain panic attacks

Answer 1

episodes anxiety & fear “worst combination to have ever attacked a human being”

palpitations // thumping heart // sweating // trembling // hot flushes // SOB // nausea // dizzy // faint // dear of dying

fight or flight response

hyperventilate - confusion, cramps, palpitations, dizziness

triggered by life events

last 5-10 mins

common in women & family

Question 2

immediate mx

Answer 2

breathe slowly & deeply into cupped hand/paper bag

Question 3

tx if recurrent

Answer 3

avoid caffeine

relaxation techniques

educations

CBT

SSRIs (TCAs if no response in 12m) - starts working in 3-4w & take till 6m

Benzodiazepines (tolerance & dependence)