Many celebrities have suffered and suffer panic attacks. Perhaps the most paradigmatic is none other than the father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, who because of this gave himself to the study of anxiety. How To Calm Down During A Panic Attack (Part II).
Many actors and musicians suffer from it, such as Nicole Kidman, Juan Luis Guerra, Joaquín Sabina, Daryl Hannah, Emma Stone, chef and television presenter Paula Deen, and Kim Basinger, to name a few.
Combined Crisis
Psychiatrist Pablo Trelles, former general coordinator of the MSP’s Mental Health Program, agreed on the frequency of this type of episode.
“The crisis determines a series of physical events such as tachycardia, respiratory distress, tremor, sweating, etc., which aggravates the picture. Sometimes it is accompanied by agoraphobia, which is the urgent need to leave the place where you are, cinema, supermarket, bus,” says Trelles.
Agoraphobia is the fear of open spaces and large agglomerations. Although it is a disorder in itself, as the psychiatrist points out, it usually manifests itself through a panic attack. In any case it is an episode that has little duration, although in exceptional form it can extend for hours.
“During the critical period there is a distortion of the information received by the brain perceiving reality as catastrophic, generating a kind of vicious circle or feedback during the period that passes the picture,” says the specialist.
Although it is a difficult disorder to prevent, the sufferer may recognize the symptoms immediately and help mitigate them.
The Best Antidote
“The best antidote is the knowledge of what a panic attack or crisis is and what its evolution normally is, since it is a reason for frequent consultation in clinics and emergencies,” says Trelles.
This measure of self-knowledge allows immediate palliative actions to be put into practice.
“Knowing that episodes are self-limited, trying to control physical symptoms through breathing exercises or relaxation by facing them without trying to avoid them, can be very helpful to shorten times and reduce suffering,” explains the psychiatrist consulted by Domingo.
Trelles, like most of his colleagues, is in favor of a combined treatment of psychopharmaceuticals – specifically antidepressants – and cognitive psychotherapy.
“When a panic attack is identified in a medical setting, the doctor generally administers a sublingual sedative, which, in a few minutes, usually,” controls the picture, he warns.
But before coming to the direct attention of a professional, there are things that can be done when confronted with a case in any circumstance.
“If an episode like this happens to a co-worker, it is advisable to accompany him to a comfortable place away from stimuli, explain that nothing serious is going to happen to him, urge him to control his breathing and then have him evaluated by a specialist.
The sooner the consultation, the better the results,” says Trelles.
In this way, anyone can help someone suffering from a crisis like this while medical help arrives.
For further information you can visit:
Maybe you are also looking for:
