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Ataques de Pânico: sintomas, causas e tratamento em Lisboa

PANIC ATTACKS - Treatment in Lisbon

Specialised assessment and treatment for Panic Attacks in Lisbon

WHAT ARE PANIC ATTACKS?

Avaliação psiquiátrica dos Ataques de Pânico — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

A "false alarm" in the nervous system

A panic attack is a sudden and intense episode of overwhelming fear that triggers severe physical reactions, even when there is no real apparent danger. It occurs when the brain's natural "fight or flight" response triggers erratically. The physical sensation is so intense that the person often believes they are suffering a heart attack or about to die, which aggravates the anxiety spiral.

Most common manifestations

  • Cardiovascular Symptoms
    Strong palpitations, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and chest pains.
  • Respiratory symptoms
    Feeling of deep breathlessness, suffocation or hyperventilation.
  • Intense Physical Reactions
    Uncontrollable trembling, profuse sweating, dizziness, nausea and a feeling of imminent fainting.
  • Cognitive and Dissociative Symptoms
    Intense fear of dying or going mad, depersonalisation (feeling outside oneself) or derealisation (feeling that the environment is unreal).

CAUSES AND TRIGGERS

Biological factors

Hyperactivity of the amygdala (the fear centre in the brain), genetic predisposition and dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (the "feel-good" hormone).

Neurobiology

Stress and Psychological Factors

The accumulation of prolonged stress, burnout, chronic (prolonged) bereavement or major life transitions prepare the ground for a panic attack.

Emotional

The Agoraphobia Cycle

The fear of suffering another attack leads them to avoid public places (crowds, transport, shopping centres), often giving rise to secondary agoraphobia.

Avoidance

Physical Triggers

Excessive consumption of caffeine or stimulants, acute sleep deprivation and rapid hormonal fluctuations can trigger sudden episodes.

Triggers
Estudo do cérebro e desregulação da resposta de luta ou fuga nos Ataques de Pânico

When panic attacks become frequent and generate constant worry about the next one occurring, they evolve into what is known as Panic Disorder.

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EFFECTIVENESS IN TREATMENT
PANIC ATTACKS

Outstanding clinical results proving that the cycle of fear can be successfully stopped

80%
report rapid improvements with the combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and pharmacology
70%
achieve total remission of panic episodes within a few months of follow-up
3×
faster recovery in resistant cases by combining neuromodulation with psychotherapy
80%
regain their independence and overcome secondary agoraphobia with specialised treatment

* Data based on the effectiveness of international mental health clinical guidelines. Individual results may vary depending on adherence.

Sources: clinical data, Craske MG & Barlow DH - Panic Control Treatment (PCT): 70-80% remission (APA Division 12, evidence-based treatments); Haby MM et al. (2006), Psychol Med - meta-analysis of CBT in panic disorder; APA Clinical Practice Guidelines for Panic Disorder; PubMed.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT

Avaliação Neurobiológica na Ansiedade
Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana
Neuromodulação Psiquiátrica
Abordagens Complementares
tDCS - Estimulação Eléctrica Transcraniana
qEEG Mapeamento Cerebral
Clínica Lisboa
Ondas Cerebrais
Fisiologia
Sala de Tratamento e Terapia
Espaço Bem-Estar e Recuperação

THE IMPORTANCE OF STOPPING THE CYCLE OF FEAR

Having a panic attack is a terrifying experience, and the lack of timely help generates the phenomenon of "fear of being afraid", where the person lives on constant alert, progressively restricting their life and isolating themselves socially. This generates a constant lack of energy and eventually leads to burnout. An initial specialised assessment also serves to rule out organic pathologies (such as heart or thyroid problems), bringing immediate relief and certainty of diagnosis.

💡 Identifying the problem quickly and intervening prevents the development of Panic Disorder and secondary Agoraphobia.

At NeuroPsyque, we believe that panic attacks should not "freeze" life. It is important to initially stabilise the physical symptoms, combined with psychotherapy (which acts on the root of the fear) and modern interventions such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to modulate the anxiety circuits in the brain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's on Panic Attacks

How do I know if I'm having a panic attack or a heart attack?
The symptoms are very similar, which causes justifiable panic, but the causes are opposite. Panic is a sudden spike in adrenaline that peaks within 10 minutes, while cardiac pain is usually continuous, radiating to the left arm, and does not improve with breathing exercises. However, the first episode of acute chest pain should always be assessed in the emergency room to rule out biological risk.
Is it possible to die from a panic attack?
Although the sensation is terrifying and it feels like you're going to stop breathing or your heart is going to give out, this is very unlikely (the body has reflexes that prevent this). The body is on a false alert.
How long does an attack last?
The acute phase, which is the worst, lasts between 5 and 20 minutes, peaking in the first 10 minutes. However, it is very common for people to feel exhausted, shaky and anxious for several hours after the episode has passed, due to the amount of adrenaline and cortisol released into the body.
What should I do during a crisis?
First of all, you should ask for help. Try to remember that the sensation, although horrible, is temporary. Practise diaphragmatic breathing (slow, deep breaths through the stomach) and focus your attention on something real around you (for example, describing objects in the room). Changing temperature, such as holding an ice cube or dipping your face in cold water, can help "switch off" the panic circuit.
How can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy help?
A Psychotherapy , CBT, in particular, helps you to identify the first physical signs of a panic attack and to deconstruct the catastrophic beliefs that fuel them (the root of the problem). Through gradual exposure to the physical symptoms in safety and breathing control techniques, the person "re-educates" the brain not to see palpitations as a danger of death. To book a diagnostic assessment, contact us. .
Will I have to take medication every day forever?
Not necessarily. Medication (such as SSRI antidepressants or, occasionally, anxiolytics) is often used in the initial phase to lower overall anxiety levels and prevent the frequency of crises. As you acquire tools in psychotherapy, and on medical advice, medication can be gradually discontinued.
Does neuromodulation (neurotherapy) treat Panic Disorder?
Yes, therapies such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (EMT) can be used to rebalance hyperexcitable brain areas and fear circuits, and is especially recommended for patients who cannot tolerate the effects of medication or who are refractory (resistant) to common treatments.