Best Treatment of Panic Attack in Medinipur

Dr. Sandipan Ghosh, Psychiatrist, Medinipur, West Medinipur

Suddenly, my chest started pounding. I couldn't breathe. My hands and feet were getting cold. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack and die right now — but there was no reason for that to happen.

You rushed to the hospital. They did an ECG, blood tests — everything was normal. So what was that?

This is a panic attack.

Every month, I get the most patients like this in my Medinipur chamber — those who have been undergoing heart or gas treatment for months, but the real problem has not been identified. You are not alone and most importantly — this condition is completely treatable.

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden, intense state of fear or discomfort that reaches its peak within just a few minutes.

Scientifically speaking, it is caused by the brain's fear center — the amygdala — mistakenly sending out a "danger signal." There is no actual danger outside, but the brain thinks a terrible threat is coming and the fight-or-flight response is activated.

Symptoms of Panic Attack

A panic attack usually involves 4 or more of the following symptoms together:

Physical Symptoms

• Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• Feeling chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing or feeling like your throat is closing up
• Sweating
• Trembling of hands and feet
• Fear of dizziness or fainting
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Nausea
• Feeling hot or cold waves in the body

Psychological Symptoms

• Everything seems like a dream
• Feeling detached from yourself
• Feeling like you are going crazy or losing control
• Feeling like you are going to die right now

This last symptom is what sends most people to the hospital emergency room. But all the tests fail to find anything — because the problem is not in the heart, but in the brain.

When Does Panic Disorder Occur?

Having one or two panic attacks does not necessarily mean you have panic disorder. It becomes panic disorder when:

• You are having repeated panic attacks
• You are constantly worried about the next attack
• You are avoiding certain places or situations

It is often associated with agoraphobia — fear of crowds, buses, markets, or going outside alone.

What Causes Panic Attacks?

There is no single cause. Usually the following factors come together:

1. Chemical Imbalance in the Brain

When the balance of serotonin and norepinephrine is disrupted, the brain's "alarm system" becomes overactive.

2. Genetic Factors

The risk increases if someone in the family has panic disorder or an anxiety disorder.

3. Life Stress and Trauma

Sudden major stress, loss of a loved one, job loss, or old trauma can trigger the onset of panic disorder.

4. Other Physical Conditions

Thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism), excessive caffeine consumption, or lack of sleep can worsen this condition.

What to Do During a Panic Attack

4-7-8 Breathing Method

• Breathe in for 4 seconds
• Hold your breath for 7 seconds
• Exhale slowly for 8 seconds

Remind yourself: It's a panic attack. It will be over in a few minutes. I am not going to die.

Treatment of Panic Attacks

The good news is that panic disorder is completely treatable. Two methods work together:

1. Medication

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the first-line medications for panic disorder. They normalize the serotonin system in the brain.

Important: Never stop taking medication on your own. Do not change the dosage without consulting a specialist.

2. Therapy — Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for panic disorder. It teaches patients to:

• Recognize and change cognitive distortions
• Gradually confront feared situations
• Stop misinterpreting body signals

When to See a Doctor

If any of the following apply, you should see a psychiatrist:

• Having panic attacks more than once a month
• Normal life is being disrupted by fear of the next attack
• Feeling afraid to go out, be in crowds, or be alone
• Having trouble sleeping or concentrating on work
• You have seen other doctors but found no relief

Panic Attack Treatment in Medinipur

Awareness about mental health is increasing in West Midnapore, Jhargram, and Bankura districts. But many patients still waste years on the wrong treatment.

If you or someone you know has had this type of experience repeatedly — seek advice from Dr. Sandipan Ghosh without delay.

Call: 9046668281
WhatsApp for appointment: +917364038281