Panic disorder is a common condition that affects at least 3% of the population of Australia each year. Panic Disorder is when people experience frequent Panic Attacks, and when they start to worry about those attacks. Panic Disorder often occurs with a condition known as "Agoraphobia", which is when people avoid situations because of their concerns that they will suffer a Panic Attack. Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia can often be treated successfully. We have called our Internet-based treatment program for panic disorder and agoraphobia the "Panic" program.

What are the Symptoms of Panic?

A panic attack is an episode that usually only lasts for 10 minutes, but can last longer, and they often feel like they last much longer! People who have panic attacks often describe having specific symptoms, but generally the symptoms of panic attacks include: a racing heart, sweating, rapid breathing (or hyperventilation), feeling dizzy, having an upset stomach, feeling lightheaded, feeling physically unwell, feeling afraid, and worrying about collapsing or suffering a medical emergency (like a heart attack). Panic attacks can be terrifying experiences! So it's easy to see why people who have panic attacks often start to avoid places where they might have a panic attack and where they might also have difficulty getting help.

When people have severe panic disorder they often also develop symptoms of depression including feeling helpless, hopeless and suicidal. If you are having such thoughts please urgently contact your GP, another health professional, or your local mental health team. Or, in a crisis, dial 000. Remember, panic disorder and depression can be treated!

So, you can probably see that there are three main symptoms of panic.

1. Firstly, there are the physical symptoms. These include a racing heart, sweating, rapid breathing (or hyperventilation), feeling dizzy, having an upset stomach, feeling lightheaded, feeling physically unwell, feeling afraid.
2. Secondly, people with panic also often have worrying and negative thoughts such as “I'm going to lose control", “I’m going to collapse or die", “I can't cope”, and so on. These types of symptoms often lead to low self esteem and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and sometimes to depression.
3. Thirdly, people with panic often avoid doing activities or going to places they used to. So, they may avoid going out to see friends, going shopping, going to the supermarket or bank, or even going to work. This condition is called "Agoraphobia"

Treatment for Panic

Panic is treatable! The best treatments involve learning about your symptoms, learning how to control those symptoms (using cognitive and behavioural techniques or CBT), and gradually resuming your usual activities. Learning to beat your panic takes courage, commitment, and lots of practice!

You can talk to your General Practitioner about getting a referral to a Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or another mental health professional to learn to manage your panic. Or, you can try our Panic Program.

What is the Panic Program?

The Panic Program is an Internet-based treatment program designed to teach people with panic how to manage their symptoms. We developed the Panic Program because many people with panic never seek treatment, but many have access to the Internet. By providing good education and guidance on simple but effective treatment techniques we hope that you will get better control over your symptoms, improve your confidence, and get back to living a full and happy life!

The Next Trial of the Panic Program

We are currently updating the existing Panic Program. In the meantime, you may want to consider registering your interest for the next trial of the Wellbeing Program (which also treats panic and agoraphobia). The next trial of the Wellbeing Program will begin in early 2011.

Page Last Updated: 2 August 2010, by Dr Nickolai Titov