Panic and stress are reactions that we all experience during our lifetime as they are natural responses to certain situations. However, people who suffer from panic attacks or panic disorder can experience a panic attack at any time and usually for no specific reason.
A panic attack can be described as a sudden/unexpected rush of intense physical and mental sympoms. Mental symptoms include overwhelming fear, apprehension and anxiety. Physical symptoms include sweating, nausea, trembling, shortness of breath and palpitations (heart beating irregularly). These symptoms are often so intense the person thinks they are experiencing a heart attack; although panic attacks do not cause any physical harm.

1 in 10 people experience occassional panic attacks which are often triggered by a stressful event or situation. However, 1 in 100 people experience recurring and regular attacks often for no apparent reason. This is known as Panic Disorder and is twice as common in women than it is in men. Panic Disorder usually commences in your 20's. People suffering from Panic Disorder usually avoid situations they believe may trigger their attacks and this may lead to them becomming house bound and developing agoraphobia (fear of social situations).

Hypnotherapy uses techniques such as dissociation, relaxation techniques, regression, future orientation and ego strenghtening to help overcome limiting beliefs and help to reduce and even stop the anxiety reactions.