Panic Attacks: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Regain Control

Psychotherapy

A panic attack can feel like losing control of your body and mind all at once. Your heart pounds, your chest tightens, and breathing becomes difficult. You may feel dizzy, shaky, or detached from reality. In those terrifying moments, thoughts race:

• Am I having a heart attack?

• What if I pass out?

• Am I going crazy?

If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone. Many people in the UAE and worldwide struggle with panic attacks, often without understanding what’s happening or why. The good news? These episodes are treatable, and you can regain control.

Panic Attack Signs and Symptoms

A panic attack is a sudden, intense wave of fear that peaks within minutes. It can occur unexpectedly or in response to a trigger. Common panic attack symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain

• Shortness of breath or choking sensation

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea

• Sweating or chills

• Trembling or shaking

• Tingling sensations in hands or face

• Feeling detached from reality (derealization) or from yourself (depersonalization)

Even though panic attacks feel overwhelming, they are not physically harmful. However, recurring episodes may indicate a deeper issue.

Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms anxiety attack and panic attack interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Feature	Panic Attack	Anxiety Attack
Onset	Sudden, without warning	Builds up gradually
Duration	Peaks within minutes, resolves in 20-30 min	Can last hours or even days
Intensity	Severe, overwhelming	Milder to moderate
Triggers	Sometimes no clear trigger	Often linked to stress or worries
Symptoms	Physical (heart racing, dizziness, shortness of breath)	Emotional (excessive worry, restlessness)

If your symptoms match panic attacks, targeted treatment can help you regain a sense of control.

When Does It Become Panic Disorder?

If you experience frequent panic attacks and live in constant fear of the next one, you may have panic disorder. This condition is characterized by:

• Repeated, unexpected panic attacks

• Ongoing worry about future attacks

• Avoidance of places or situations for fear of triggering an attack

Without treatment, panic disorder can interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. But with the right approach, recovery is possible.

How I Can Help You Overcome Panic Attacks

I’m Sarah El Nabulsi, a clinical psychologist in Dubai specializing in anxiety disorders. Over the years, I’ve helped countless individuals break free from panic attacks and reclaim their lives.

Many of my clients once feared leaving their homes or facing daily situations that triggered panic. Now, they no longer live in fear. Here’s what they’ve said:

“Sarah’s approach helped me stop fearing my panic attacks and take control.”

“For the first time in years, I feel free from anxiety.”

A New Approach to Panic Disorder Treatment

Recognizing that standard therapy alone isn’t always enough, I’ve developed a new treatment protocol for panic disorderthat goes beyond traditional methods. My approach includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to break the cycle of fear

• Exposure Therapy – to reduce sensitivity to triggers

• Mind-Body Techniques – to calm the nervous system and regain control

To make these tools more accessible, I’ve also created Anxiety 101, the first course in my series designed to help you understand anxiety, recognize triggers, and develop effective coping strategies. This course is part of a new protocol I've created for treatment of Anxiety Disorders that can acltually help you recover faster and prevent future relapse.

You Can Take Back Control

Panic attacks don’t have to control your life. With the right treatment and tools, you can overcome them. If you’re ready to take the first step toward relief, visit the webpage Anxiety & Panic Solutions  to learn more about my approach and online courses and start right away.

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

Best,

Sarah El Nabulsi, M.Sc., M.A., M.A.

Clinical Psychologist