心理教室

Panic Disorder / Panic Attacks

In modern society, most people lead very busy lives. Working more than 20 hours of overtime each week and bringing work home at weekends has become commonplace. Prolonged mental stress can gradually lead to minor physical problems such as headaches, forgetfulness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, and an inability to relax. In the short term, the body may cope, but if this continues over many years, it can become overwhelmed, resulting in a range of health issues. One common yet often overlooked condition is panic disorder.

From clinical experience, many people aged 40 or above—particularly those with stressful and demanding lifestyles—are more prone to panic disorder. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness, many miss the opportunity to seek treatment. This article aims to introduce the condition to the public.

 

Case Study

Mr Lee, aged 47, is a senior executive manager at a large financial institution. His career has progressed smoothly, and he is expected to receive a promotion next month. However, since the financial crisis, his company has suffered a significant setback, with revenue dropping by over 40%, leaving him feeling extremely anxious.

At first, he dismissed his feelings, assuming they were a natural response to the economic downturn. However, one evening he experienced something deeply frightening.

That night, a major client called to inform him they would no longer continue working with his company. Feeling distressed, Mr Lee left the office and took his usual bus home through a tunnel. As the bus entered the tunnel, he suddenly felt unwell. His heart began to race, and his breathing became rapid.

“Am I having a heart attack?” he wondered.

His anxiety intensified. He felt dizzy, as though he might faint. His whole body trembled, he broke out in a cold sweat, and he struggled to breathe. He experienced chest tightness and a sense of invisible pressure, as if something were pressing down on him. He felt as though he might be dying.

Everything happened very quickly. Within just five minutes, he went from feeling completely normal to feeling on the brink of death. Was he going to die? What would happen to his wife and children? Was everything about to end?

Just as he felt he could not go on, the bus emerged from the tunnel. He felt a sudden sense of relief. He continued his journey home, but his thoughts were in turmoil, and he chose not to tell his wife about what had happened.

Mr Lee later underwent a full medical examination at a private hospital. After spending an entire day on tests and waiting, the doctor informed him that everything was normal—he was physically healthy. This left him frustrated, as he had spent a great deal of time and money without finding any answers. He felt helpless and confused.

Assuming it had been a one-off incident, he returned to work as usual. However, each time the bus entered a tunnel, he experienced intense fear again, similar to a heart attack, with a complete loss of control. More recently, the same symptoms began to occur when travelling on the Underground. If he could not cross the harbour, how could he continue working? This became deeply distressing, and he eventually decided to seek professional psychological counselling.

After eight counselling sessions, his condition improved significantly. He came to understand that he had panic disorder, and that these episodes were panic attacks. He learned that panic disorder is a psychological condition and that it can be overcome. He regained confidence and felt that his symptoms were under control.

 

Statistics

Research suggests that around 4% of people in Hong Kong meet the criteria for panic disorder. This equates to approximately 270,000 individuals who have experienced panic attacks similar to Mr Lee’s. Many do not tell others due to embarrassment or shame, or they spend significant time and money on medical tests without finding the cause. As a result, many delay seeking appropriate treatment.

 

Symptoms

From the case above, symptoms of panic disorder may include:

• Intense anxiety and fear
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Trembling
• Cold sweats

These symptoms may last for up to 20 minutes.

 

Self-Help Tips

If Mr Lee’s experience feels familiar, or if you recognise the symptoms above, you may be experiencing panic disorder. The following suggestions may help reduce the likelihood of panic attacks:

• Diet – Eat regularly and try not to skip meals due to a busy schedule. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables, and reduce snacking.
• Sleep – Ensure you get sufficient sleep. If you wake feeling unrefreshed, your sleep quality may be poor. Try to relax before bedtime.
• Exercise – Aim for at least one hour of aerobic exercise each week. Physical activity helps reduce stress and supports overall health.
• Relaxation – Set aside time each day to unwind. Engage in activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, taking a walk in the park, or watching a light-hearted programme.
• Socialising – Spend at least one hour each week talking with friends. Go beyond everyday topics—share your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should consider seeking professional psychological support.

 

Expert Advice

Professional psychological counselling can be highly effective in treating panic disorder. Research indicates that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can significantly reduce symptoms within 2 to 4 sessions. More severe cases may require treatment over a period of up to six months.

Panic disorder is treatable—you can overcome it. Seeking professional help at an early stage can make a significant difference.

 

Information provided by Hong Kong Psychological Counselling Centre
The Hong Kong Psychological Counselling Centre is a private organisation offering comprehensive counselling services. It has over ten therapists with different areas of expertise, providing in-person counselling for individuals and families. Appointments can usually be arranged within seven days, and all information is kept strictly confidential.
Tel：6676 4236	Website：www.hkpcc.hk