Panic Attacks

Don’t panic, how to identify and control panic attacks

An overwhelming feeling of anxiety and fear, a pounding heart, difficulty breathing, thoughts of dying or ‘what is wrong with me’. Am I going crazy?

A panic attack can be very frightening. If not treated they can worsen, causing you to withdraw from social activities.

Physical symptoms of a panic attack can include shortness of breath or smothering feelings, dizziness, feeling faint or unsteady, racing or pounding heart, trembling or shaking, sweating, choking sensations, nausea or abdominal distress, feelings of being detached or of things seeming unreal, numbness or tingling sensations, hot flashes or cold chills, chest pain or discomfort.

A panic attack is unlikely to kill you. It just feels very bad. One of the keys to overcoming a panic attack is to identify that it is occurring and using cognitive therapy and relaxation tools reduce the fear of the attack.

Therapy can help you not only tolerate the panic but control it.

How therapy can help overcome panic attacks:

How can therapy help you:
  • You can gain an understanding of the psychological and physiological causes of their panic attacks.
  • You can learn to manage the discomfort of Panic Attacks and reduce symptoms using mindfulness training, breathing techniques, cognitive coping skills.
  • You can regain freedom in your life through behavioural techniques such as gradual exposure to places and situations associated with panic symptoms.
  • It can identify if there are any underlying issues such as trauma, depression or anxiety.
  • It can help you overcome limiting past beliefs or experiences that contribute to your panic and cope with the stressors of every day life.

PANIC ATTACK COUNSELLING PERTH

In Applecross we service South Perth, Canning Vale, Victoria Park, Booragoon, Myaree, Como, Brentwood, and more.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PHONE: 08 6555 7786

  • Phones answered Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm
  • After-hours appointments available weeknights to 7 pm, Saturdays 9am to 1.00pm
  • Medicare rebates can be processed at your session

Topics we can help with

FAQ

Diagnoses for ADHD can be made by Psychologists, Paediatricians and psychiatrists. Paediatricians and Psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Check with your Educational institution to determine if an ADHD diagnosis from a psychologist is suitable for the purposes of funding support. If you wish to consider medication in future, you may benefit from the confirmation of your diagnosis with a Psychiatrist/Paediatrician.Some psychiatrists and paeditricians find that this diagnosis helps streamline and fast track their assessment process. If we have provided you with a diagnosis please advise your Psychiatrist/Paeditrician when you make the booking so they can allocate the adjusted time. 

ADD/ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. ADHD symptoms vary by sub-type — inattentive, hyperactive, or combined.

There are a number of treatment options that can be employed.  Parent Training in Behaviour Management, Behavioural Classroom Interventions, Neurofeedback, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Medication are the only evidence-based treatment options available that can be used on their own or in conjunction with each other. It is important to note that the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) recommend medication as the frontline treatment for ADHD as well as other interventions (for people 5 and older) however the adoption of medication should always be made in line with the assessment of symptom strength and the child’s age.  For children, we recommend that parent’s complete behaviour management training and employ Occupational Therapists to work alongside the educational assistants and teachers at school. It is recommended that you apply a range of treatments including supplementary methods. Adults can develop a treatment plan to change target behaviours with their psychologist.

Neurofeedback.- Neurofeedback is recommended by the American Psychological Society and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as a method that has been shown to produce beneficial effects in the research literature. It is important that you use a clinic that employs the best protocols for Neurofeedback and also understand that it appears to be most helpful with attention/concentration issues rather than hyperactivity (See Neurofeedback as a Treatment Intervention in ADHD: Current Evidence and Practice).  With Neurofeedback can bypass the waitlist for treatment for Psychiatric/Pediatric evaluation and start an evidence-based approach for the treatment of ADD/ADHD within a few months while on the waitlist for these highly sought-after medical professionals. Neurofeedback can be booked at the Perth Brain Centre (set aside a budget of around $2000 – $2500 for the assessment and treatment program) and if delivered by an Occupational Therapist you may obtain Medicare/Private Health rebates. Just like medication, it will not be the solution for everyone. Below are some local Perth Businesses where you can obtain Neurofeedback treatment programs. 

  1. Perth Brain Centre (Attadale) 
  2. Brain Training Australia (Perth and West Perth)
  3. Mind State Psychology

Another Neurofeedback option for children with emotional regulation issues whether they are brought on by ADHD or other resources is Mightier for kids. Mightier is a digital program for kids that uses their heart rate to teach coping skills through game-based play. It is clinically validated to support kids ages 6-14 with ADHD, Autism, Anger, Anxiety and outbursts and ODD.

You will need a diagnosis from a Psychiatrist or Pediatrician for a script for medication. There are stimulant and non-stimulant-based medications and slow-release medications. The US and the Australian ADHD treatment recommendation differ in their recommendation for medication as a front line treatment for ADHD for children under 9. The Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)recommend medication as the frontline treatment for ADHD as well as other interventions.  Medication for children and adults may have undesirable side effects. More information on the types of medication available can be found here and should be discussed with your Psychiatrist or Pediatrician. Medication and CBT work more effectively for different areas of ADHD related problems and a psychologist can help you make the decision based on your individual concerns. Psychologists can’t prescribe medication or provide official advice around medication but we can provide a space to discuss your reactions to medication and formulate the questions you need to answer with your psychiatrist/pediatrician. 

In the majority of instances it is recommended that Neurofeedback, Parent Behavioural Training (parenting does not cause ADHD but it can go a long way to help manage it), Behavioural Class Room interventions or medication is adopted for the treatment of ADHD however, nutrition and psychological therapy can play an important supplementary role and depending on what symptoms you are most struggling with, psychological therapy may be the better treatment option. 

Parent Behavioural Training – The Triple P Parenting program is a free online resource for WA parents designed for children under 12. It will help parents iscover more ways to be an ongoing positive influence on your child and strengthen your relationship (now, and in the years to come). Promote new skills and help emotional self-regulation and know how to respond effectively to guide behaviour so that you can raise happier and more confident and capable kids.

Nutrition. – Following an ADHD nutrition plan rich in protein and vitamins can help control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Key components are having a diet in high protein, avoiding carbs/sugar and supplementing with iron, magnesium and zinc. The Perth Brain Centre is able to give you a targeted list of nutritional supplements based on your brain scan. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-diet-nutrition-sugar/ .

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (delivered by psychologists, Occupational Therapists OT’s etc.)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy refers to a type of mental health treatment that focuses on the thoughts and behaviors that occur in the “here and now. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication has been shown in numerous studies to be effective for treating ADHD in adults. Research thus far shows that CBT can provide benefits whether or not the person is being treated with medication. There have not yet been any direct, head-to-head comparisons of CBT and medication, but clinical experience suggests that they have different effects: Whereas medication helps to control the core symptoms of distractibility, short attention span and impulsivity, CBT is more effective at increasing the habits and skills needed for executive self-management and may also serve to improve emotional and interpersonal self-regulation.

Our psychological assessment fees start from $1440 (ADHD only) to $3120 (ADHD and WAIS/WISC & WAIT) and $2640 for (ADHD and WAIS or WISC).

You can make interest-free instalment payments via Eway (our direct debit system).

We are registered psychologists therefore, private health fund rebates may be applied, please contact your provider to obtain further information regarding the gap between the fee charged and the health fund rebate. 

Medicare rebates do not apply to psychometric assessments unless there is a referral from a Paediatrician / General Practitioner that is necessary regarding long-term planning for emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Our couch, Your private space

Our private and warmly appointed rooms in Applecross provide the perfect space for you to begin your journey of self-development and start taking control of leading a more fulfilling life. We are located near Applecross Village with a private rear entry, upstairs at the back of the building.

Book Online

Make and manage your appointments online, our diary portal makes it easy.

BOOK ONLINE

To Book your Appointment Phone Today 08 6117 8019