Have you ever experienced a sudden and intense feeling of anxiety that came out of nowhere? Did your heart start racing, your pulse quicken, or were you unable to catch your breath? Are you afraid of what's happening to you, but you can't influence it in any way? Do panic attacks affect your daily functioning, preventing you from engaging in certain activities? Are you filled with fear and apprehension? Do you avoid certain places, situations, and people? You might be suffering from a panic disorder or agoraphobia.

Panic and panic attacks are part of anxiety disorders and are characterized by sudden and intense episodes of extreme anxiety and fear. These episodes can appear "out of nowhere" and often have physical and emotional manifestations. Panic attacks are short-term but extremely intense bursts of anxiety that can manifest with physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, and feelings of sudden threat. People during a panic attack often describe a sensation of having a "heart attack" or feeling like they are dying. Panic attacks can also be associated with feelings of loss of control or madness. Some individuals who have experienced panic attacks are concerned about the recurrence of these attacks and the inability to receive help if an attack were to occur in an inappropriate place or situation. This can lead to agoraphobia, which is a fear of places or situations where it would be difficult to escape or get help in the event of a panic attack.

What a psychologist can help with:

- Assessment of fundamental factors causing panic attacks
- Therapeutic intervention, various forms of therapy
- Identification and alteration of negative thought patterns
- Anxiety and panic coping techniques
- Gradual exposure to avoided situations with the aim of reducing fear associated with panic and agoraphobia
- Emotional support during panic attacks
- And much more

Panic attacks and panic disorder can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life, whether it's through isolation, reduced quality of life, and other mental and physical issues. Treatment involves various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy, depending on the individual client's needs.