Panic Disorder: Understanding and Managing Sudden Waves of Fear
Understanding Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety condition marked by sudden, intense surges of fear or discomfort known as panic attacks. These episodes often appear without warning and can feel overwhelming – both physically and emotionally.
Many people describe feeling as though they’re losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying. It’s important to know that panic attacks, while extremely distressing, are not dangerous. They are the body’s alarm system activating at the wrong time – a surge of adrenaline designed to protect us from threat, even when no real danger is present.
When these attacks occur repeatedly, or when a person begins to fear and avoid situations where another attack might happen, this pattern can develop into Panic Disorder.
Around 5% of Australians will experience Panic Disorder in their lifetime, making it one of the more common anxiety presentations.
Common Symptoms
Panic attacks can vary in length and intensity, but they often include several of the following experiences:
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Shortness of breath or chest tightness
Sweating, shaking, or trembling
Dizziness or feeling faint
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Numbness or tingling sensations
Chills or hot flushes
A sense of detachment or unreality (derealisation or depersonalisation)
Fear of losing control, “going crazy,” or dying
Following these episodes, people often worry about having another attack and may start avoiding specific places, such as crowded shops, public transport, or driving – which can significantly affect daily life.
Why Panic Disorder Develops
Panic Disorder can arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and situational factors.
Some people have a naturally higher sensitivity to physical sensations (like heart rate changes), while others develop panic symptoms following a period of prolonged stress, illness, or major life change.
A key factor that keeps Panic Disorder going is the fear of the sensations themselves. The more we fear and monitor physical changes – like breathlessness or a racing heart – the more those sensations intensify, fuelling a vicious cycle of anxiety and panic. Over time, this “fear of fear” can make the body’s normal stress response feel intolerable.
How Panic Disorder Can Be Treated
The good news is that Panic Disorder is highly treatable with evidence-based psychological approaches.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Considered the gold-standard treatment, CBT helps you understand the cycle of panic, challenge catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations, and gradually – at your own pace – face feared situations through interoceptive and situational exposure.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can improve flexibility and reduce avoidance, supporting long-term recovery.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) may assist when panic symptoms are linked to specific traumatic or health-related memories, though evidence is still emerging.
Medication (usually SSRIs) can also be helpful in some cases, and is often combined with psychological treatment under GP or psychiatric guidance.
At MindSure Psychology
At MindSure Psychology, we help clients understand the mechanisms of panic, develop confidence in managing physical sensations, and gradually reduce avoidance.
Treatment is collaborative and paced to your comfort, with a focus on restoring freedom and confidence in everyday life.
If you’ve experienced panic attacks or find yourself avoiding situations for fear of another, support is available.
You can book a confidential appointment today to begin evidence-based treatment for Panic Disorder.
