Process - Physician - Fraser Health Authority

Panic CircleEvent (public speaking) Physical reactionsbecome PANICCatastrophizingthoughtsI’m having aheart attack.I’m going to die.Emotional reactionsintensifyfear, terror, shockThoughts (interpretation) of danger.I’ll be a disaster. Everyone willthink I’m stupid.Physical reactionsshortness of breath,increased heart rate,butterflies in stomachEmotional responsenervousness, dreadNegative thoughtsI can’t do this.Physical reactions intensifysweating, dizziness, chest painsAnxious people are often hypervigilent about normal body sensations. This excessive focus onbodily sensations creates a negative internal feedback loop that leads to further anxiety andincreases the likelihood of panic.Panic attacks certainly “feel” dangerous, however, our bodies are designed to deal with theincreased adrenaline and eventually the symptoms will dissipate as the liver absorbs theadrenaline.Patient Empowerment Anxiety Manual VIHA.March.2010 94