Panic Attacks in West London: What the Local Picture Shows

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Panic like experiences can include racing heart, breathlessness, chest sensations, dizziness, shaking, sweating, nausea or a sense of unreality. A guide cannot diagnose panic disorder, determine a local cause or decide whether commuting, work pressure, crowded places or another situation is relevant for an individual. An assessment can explore the pattern of episodes, physical health, sleep, substances, medication, current pressures, avoidance, reassurance seeking, daily functioning and personal goals. It should not assume that a person has panic disorder because they avoid travel or feel anxious at work. Chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, new neurological symptoms, severe physical change or a first episode with concerning symptoms should not be automatically attributed to panic. Seek appropriate medical advice, particularly when symptoms are new, severe, changing or worrying. A therapy guide cannot exclude a physical cause, advise on medication or replace urgent assessment. Where clinically appropriate, CBT based support may explore interpretations of bodily sensations, avoidance, reassurance, routines and practical difficulties. Behavioural experiments, interoceptive work or exposure based work should be planned collaboratively with an appropriately trained clinician, not used as self directed online instructions. For related information, see panic disorder therapy at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/panic attacks/, panic attacks subtypes at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/panic attacks subtypes explained/, panic attacks at work at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/panic attacks work daily life/ and anxiety therapy at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/anxiety/. If there is immediate danger, thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe or a sudden marked deterioration, call 999, attend A&E or use urgent local crisis or medical support.