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 which can feel life threatening. This intense fear is inappropriate and exaggerated in relation to the circumstances in which it is occurring.
Once an 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, develop rapidly and can continue for years.
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.
Statistics
Approximately 1.3 per cent of Australian adults experience panic disorder which represents 2 per cent of the female population and 0.6 per cent of the male population (Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Mental Health Council Inc. and ORYGEN Research Centre 2006).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
A person experiencing panic attacks in the workplace can be assisted with dealing with panic attacks by being encouraged to:
- realise that panic attacks seem long but in reality generally only last a few minutes
- stay where they are until the attack passes
- concentrate on controlling symptoms by slow, relaxed breathing.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Mental Health Council Inc. & Kitchener, B., A. & Jorm, A., F. 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.