A person with a panic disorder experiences panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense apprehension, fear or terror, which can result in physical symptoms similar to those of a heart attack for example, it can feel life threatening. This intense fear is inappropriate or exaggerated in relation to the circumstances in which it is occurring.
Once a person has experienced a panic attack, they often fear another similar experience and may avoid places where attacks have occurred. These attacks can begin suddenly and develop rapidly. They can also continue for years.
The best strategies for dealing with panic attacks are those that encourage or assist the person to:
- realise panic attacks seem long but in reality generally only last a few minutes
- stay where they are until the attack passes
- identify exaggerated fears which occur during panic, for example fear of having a heart attack or fear of not being able to escape
- concentrate on controlling symptoms by slow, relaxed breathing
- discuss ways to challenge these fears, for example, the person reminds themselves they are not having a heart attack, but a panic attack which will pass within a few minutes.
Symptoms and characteristics
Typical panic attack symptoms include:
- rapid or irregular heart beat and rapid breathing
- sweating
- dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- trembling or shaking
- feeling of choking or smothering
- chest pain or discomfort
- fear of dying
- chills or hot flushes.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people who experience panic attacks, to have less symptoms or attacks. The work environment or tasks could have certain changes and support could also be provided to them such as:
- a support person to talk to about their fears
- a change in the work environment that has previously set off an attack
- suggest that the person seeks professional help
- have a strategy put in place for if an attack occurs at work
- education for employees on the signs and symptoms of panic attacks.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2010, Panic attack, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Panic_attack.
Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Mental Health Council Inc. and Betty Ann Kitchener and Anthony Francis Jorm at ORYGEN Research Centre, University of Melbourne 2006, Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace—an e-learning course, Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Canberra.