Among the different types of anxiety, panic attacks can be particularly overwhelming. Panic attacks are intense periods of extreme anxiety that come on suddenly and usually subside within a few minutes, though can sometimes last longer.

People experiencing a panic attack often feel like they’re having a heart attack, or are going to faint or are going crazy. Panic disorder refers to unexpected and repeated panic attacks, accompanied by persistent concern about having another panic attack, or changes in behaviours, such as avoiding certain situations, designed to prevent another panic attack from occurring.

Below are a few videos that provide some information about panic attacks and panic disorder and their treatment. It’s often helpful to know you’re not the only person going through this, and as distressing as they are, panic attacks are quite common.

The first video describes panic disorder, and gives an overview of the symptoms and treatment of panic attacks and panic disorder.

Although panic attacks can be terrifying and overwhelming, as the video points out, panic attacks are very treatable through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and 85% of people who engage in CBT for panic attacks or panic disorder will be completely free of the problem by the end of treatment.

The next two video provide another description of panic attacks and panic disorder.

The final video talks about the best ways to overcome panic attacks and panic disorder.

The last part of this video discusses different types of medication that can be used to help treat panic disorder. While medication can help manage panic attacks and panic disorder in the short term, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provides an effective, permanent solution. CBT will help you learn to cope with early symptoms of panic before they turn into full-blown panic attacks, and reduce the likelihood you’ll experience panic attacks in the future.