Understanding
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms that peak within minutes, often without warning. These overwhelming experiences can significantly impact daily life, leading to fear of future attacks and avoidance of situations where panic might occur.
Understanding
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms that peak within minutes, often without warning. These overwhelming experiences can significantly impact daily life, leading to fear of future attacks and avoidance of situations where panic might occur.
Understanding
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms that peak within minutes, often without warning. These overwhelming experiences can significantly impact daily life, leading to fear of future attacks and avoidance of situations where panic might occur.
What does Panic Attacks feel like?
Experiencing a panic attack means enduring sudden, intense waves of terror that seem to come from nowhere, accompanied by overwhelming physical sensations like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
These episodes typically peak within minutes but can leave individuals feeling exhausted and fearful of future attacks. The experience is often described as feeling like you're dying, losing control, or going mad, creating a cycle of anxiety about anxiety itself that can severely restrict daily activities and quality of life.
Common Symptoms
Rapid or pounding heartbeat and chest pain
Shortness of breath or feeling of choking
Sweating, trembling, or shaking uncontrollably
Nausea, dizziness, or feeling faint
Hot or cold flushes throughout the body
Fear of dying, losing control, or going insane
Derealisation or feeling detached from reality
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
What does Panic Attacks feel like?
Experiencing a panic attack means enduring sudden, intense waves of terror that seem to come from nowhere, accompanied by overwhelming physical sensations like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
These episodes typically peak within minutes but can leave individuals feeling exhausted and fearful of future attacks. The experience is often described as feeling like you're dying, losing control, or going mad, creating a cycle of anxiety about anxiety itself that can severely restrict daily activities and quality of life.
Common Symptoms
Rapid or pounding heartbeat and chest pain
Shortness of breath or feeling of choking
Sweating, trembling, or shaking uncontrollably
Nausea, dizziness, or feeling faint
Hot or cold flushes throughout the body
Fear of dying, losing control, or going insane
Derealisation or feeling detached from reality
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
What does Panic Attacks feel like?
Experiencing a panic attack means enduring sudden, intense waves of terror that seem to come from nowhere, accompanied by overwhelming physical sensations like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
These episodes typically peak within minutes but can leave individuals feeling exhausted and fearful of future attacks. The experience is often described as feeling like you're dying, losing control, or going mad, creating a cycle of anxiety about anxiety itself that can severely restrict daily activities and quality of life.
Common Symptoms
Rapid or pounding heartbeat and chest pain
Shortness of breath or feeling of choking
Sweating, trembling, or shaking uncontrollably
Nausea, dizziness, or feeling faint
Hot or cold flushes throughout the body
Fear of dying, losing control, or going insane
Derealisation or feeling detached from reality
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
History of Panic Attacks
From cardiac theories to modern understanding of anxiety disorders
1871
American physician Jacob Mendez Da Costa described "irritable heart syndrome" in Civil War soldiers, noting symptoms now recognised as panic attacks but attributed to cardiac dysfunction.
1959
Donald Klein distinguished panic attacks from general anxiety, recognising them as distinct episodes with specific symptoms, laying groundwork for modern panic disorder diagnosis.
1980
Panic disorder was first included in the DSM-III as a separate anxiety condition, acknowledging panic attacks as legitimate psychiatric symptoms rather than purely physical ailments.
Present
Panic attacks are understood to affect 11% of adults annually, with effective treatments including CBT and medication helping millions manage symptoms successfully.
History of Panic Attacks
From cardiac theories to modern understanding of anxiety disorders
1871
American physician Jacob Mendez Da Costa described "irritable heart syndrome" in Civil War soldiers, noting symptoms now recognised as panic attacks but attributed to cardiac dysfunction.
1959
Donald Klein distinguished panic attacks from general anxiety, recognising them as distinct episodes with specific symptoms, laying groundwork for modern panic disorder diagnosis.
1980
Panic disorder was first included in the DSM-III as a separate anxiety condition, acknowledging panic attacks as legitimate psychiatric symptoms rather than purely physical ailments.
Present
Panic attacks are understood to affect 11% of adults annually, with effective treatments including CBT and medication helping millions manage symptoms successfully.
History of Panic Attacks
From cardiac theories to modern understanding of anxiety disorders
1871
American physician Jacob Mendez Da Costa described "irritable heart syndrome" in Civil War soldiers, noting symptoms now recognised as panic attacks but attributed to cardiac dysfunction.
1959
Donald Klein distinguished panic attacks from general anxiety, recognising them as distinct episodes with specific symptoms, laying groundwork for modern panic disorder diagnosis.
1980
Panic disorder was first included in the DSM-III as a separate anxiety condition, acknowledging panic attacks as legitimate psychiatric symptoms rather than purely physical ailments.
Present
Panic attacks are understood to affect 11% of adults annually, with effective treatments including CBT and medication helping millions manage symptoms successfully.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is highly effective for panic attacks by helping individuals understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. Therapists teach breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and cognitive restructuring to challenge catastrophic thoughts during attacks.
Exposure therapy may gradually help people face feared situations, whilst panic-focused CBT addresses the fear of fear itself, breaking the cycle of anticipatory anxiety that often maintains the condition.
Benefits of Therapy
Reduced frequency and intensity of panic episodes
Improved ability to manage symptoms when they occur
Decreased anticipatory anxiety and fear of attacks
Enhanced understanding of panic attack triggers
Development of effective coping strategies and techniques
Reduced avoidance behaviours and increased confidence
Better quality of life and daily functioning
Prevention of panic disorder development or progression
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common concerns about panic attacks and recovery
Are panic attacks dangerous or can they cause a heart attack?
Whilst panic attacks feel terrifying and create intense physical symptoms, they are not medically dangerous and cannot cause heart attacks or death. The symptoms mimic serious medical conditions but represent your body's natural fight-or-flight response activated inappropriately. However, it's important to rule out medical causes with your GP, especially for first-time attacks.
How long do panic attacks typically last?
Most panic attacks peak within 5-10 minutes and rarely last longer than 20-30 minutes. However, the aftermath can leave you feeling drained or anxious for hours. Understanding this time limit can be helpful during an attack, reminding yourself that the intense feelings will pass relatively quickly.
Can panic attacks be prevented or only managed once they start?
Both approaches are possible. Many people learn to identify early warning signs and use techniques to prevent full-blown attacks. Regular practice of breathing exercises, mindfulness, and stress management can reduce overall susceptibility. Additionally, addressing underlying stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors often helps prevent attacks from occurring.
Will I need medication to recover from panic attacks?
Not necessarily. Many people recover from panic attacks through therapy alone, particularly CBT. However, some individuals benefit from short-term medication to break severe cycles, especially if panic attacks are frequent or severely impacting daily life. The best approach depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.
How therapy can help
Therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is highly effective for panic attacks by helping individuals understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. Therapists teach breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and cognitive restructuring to challenge catastrophic thoughts during attacks.
Exposure therapy may gradually help people face feared situations, whilst panic-focused CBT addresses the fear of fear itself, breaking the cycle of anticipatory anxiety that often maintains the condition.
Benefits of Therapy
Reduced frequency and intensity of panic episodes
Improved ability to manage symptoms when they occur
Decreased anticipatory anxiety and fear of attacks
Enhanced understanding of panic attack triggers
Development of effective coping strategies and techniques
Reduced avoidance behaviours and increased confidence
Better quality of life and daily functioning
Prevention of panic disorder development or progression
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common concerns about panic attacks and recovery
Are panic attacks dangerous or can they cause a heart attack?
Whilst panic attacks feel terrifying and create intense physical symptoms, they are not medically dangerous and cannot cause heart attacks or death. The symptoms mimic serious medical conditions but represent your body's natural fight-or-flight response activated inappropriately. However, it's important to rule out medical causes with your GP, especially for first-time attacks.
How long do panic attacks typically last?
Most panic attacks peak within 5-10 minutes and rarely last longer than 20-30 minutes. However, the aftermath can leave you feeling drained or anxious for hours. Understanding this time limit can be helpful during an attack, reminding yourself that the intense feelings will pass relatively quickly.
Can panic attacks be prevented or only managed once they start?
Both approaches are possible. Many people learn to identify early warning signs and use techniques to prevent full-blown attacks. Regular practice of breathing exercises, mindfulness, and stress management can reduce overall susceptibility. Additionally, addressing underlying stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors often helps prevent attacks from occurring.
Will I need medication to recover from panic attacks?
Not necessarily. Many people recover from panic attacks through therapy alone, particularly CBT. However, some individuals benefit from short-term medication to break severe cycles, especially if panic attacks are frequent or severely impacting daily life. The best approach depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.
How therapy can help
Therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is highly effective for panic attacks by helping individuals understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. Therapists teach breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and cognitive restructuring to challenge catastrophic thoughts during attacks.
Exposure therapy may gradually help people face feared situations, whilst panic-focused CBT addresses the fear of fear itself, breaking the cycle of anticipatory anxiety that often maintains the condition.
Benefits of Therapy
Reduced frequency and intensity of panic episodes
Improved ability to manage symptoms when they occur
Decreased anticipatory anxiety and fear of attacks
Enhanced understanding of panic attack triggers
Development of effective coping strategies and techniques
Reduced avoidance behaviours and increased confidence
Better quality of life and daily functioning
Prevention of panic disorder development or progression
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common concerns about panic attacks and recovery
Are panic attacks dangerous or can they cause a heart attack?
Whilst panic attacks feel terrifying and create intense physical symptoms, they are not medically dangerous and cannot cause heart attacks or death. The symptoms mimic serious medical conditions but represent your body's natural fight-or-flight response activated inappropriately. However, it's important to rule out medical causes with your GP, especially for first-time attacks.
How long do panic attacks typically last?
Most panic attacks peak within 5-10 minutes and rarely last longer than 20-30 minutes. However, the aftermath can leave you feeling drained or anxious for hours. Understanding this time limit can be helpful during an attack, reminding yourself that the intense feelings will pass relatively quickly.
Can panic attacks be prevented or only managed once they start?
Both approaches are possible. Many people learn to identify early warning signs and use techniques to prevent full-blown attacks. Regular practice of breathing exercises, mindfulness, and stress management can reduce overall susceptibility. Additionally, addressing underlying stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors often helps prevent attacks from occurring.
Will I need medication to recover from panic attacks?
Not necessarily. Many people recover from panic attacks through therapy alone, particularly CBT. However, some individuals benefit from short-term medication to break severe cycles, especially if panic attacks are frequent or severely impacting daily life. The best approach depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Introducing Andrea Szentgyorgyi, a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist with over 1,000 clinical hours. Andrea combines person-centred, solution-focused therapy with advanced techniques including hypnotherapy and EMDR, creating a tailored and flexible approach for each client. With 6 years of experience, she provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and promote lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we’re proud to introduce Isabella May Leonard (MSc), an experienced person-centred psychotherapist offering therapy for adults. With over 2,500 clinical hours, Isabella brings warmth, compassion, and professional depth to her practice, with experience across private practice, NHS Talking Therapies, and third-sector services. She provides both short- and long-term therapy, creating a safe and reflective space where clients can explore challenges at their own pace.
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)