Therapy Areas
Panic Attacks
Information on panic symptoms, therapy process, and emergency care — individual psychotherapy in Şişli and online.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is often a surge of intense fear within minutes, with noticeable bodily sensations.
Experiences differ — some people wake from sleep, others are in transit or crowded settings.
Common symptoms
- Sudden intense fear or sense of losing control
- Palpitations or racing heartbeat
- Sweating, trembling, chills, or hot flashes
- Shortness of breath or feeling of choking
- Chest tightness or pain sensation
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Derealization or depersonalization
- Fear of dying or catastrophic harm
Panic vs. heart attack concerns (informational)
During panic, chest pressure, palpitations, and shortness of breath can feel overwhelming, which is why many visit emergency services.
After medical assessment, panic may be identified. Heart-related emergencies can show different patterns, but symptoms alone are not safe for self-diagnosis.
First-time or unusually severe chest pain, fainting, one-sided weakness, or speech changes warrant emergency medical care.
When to seek emergency medical care
Sudden severe chest pain, serious shortness of breath, bluish discoloration, altered consciousness, stroke-like signs, or active suicidal thoughts need urgent evaluation.
Even with a panic history, new or different symptoms should still be medically reviewed when appropriate.
Psychotherapy process
Individual psychotherapy may explore triggers, meanings assigned to bodily sensations, avoidance, and safety behaviors.
EMDR, CBT, or ACT may be considered when clinically suitable. The aim is understanding symptoms and supporting return to daily life, not ignoring them.
What to expect in sessions
The first meeting clarifies history, safety, confidentiality, and format (online / in-person in Şişli).
Later sessions may map panic episodes, body awareness, and thought or breathing work. Homework is optional.
Online and Şişli options
Online therapy can be accessible when leaving home feels difficult after panic.
In-person sessions are based in Şişli; travel notes can be shared before appointments.
Fear of 'what if it happens again' can increase avoidance after panic.
Sensitivity to bodily sensations often sits at the center of panic cycles.
Avoidance often expands after panic; therapy may map that pattern together.
Informing family members stays within confidentiality limits and client preference.
Sleep disruption can fuel panic cycles; sleep hygiene may be discussed when relevant.
Caffeine and sleep loss may trigger symptoms for some people; lifestyle review may help.
Avoidance of transit, elevators, or crowds is common; graded exposure may be discussed when clinically appropriate.
Rapid breathing during panic can be a normal body response; breathing exercises do not fit everyone the same way.
Work schedules and break plans may be discussed for clients who panic at work.
Fear of 'what if it happens again' can increase avoidance after panic.
Sensitivity to bodily sensations often sits at the center of panic cycles.
Avoidance often expands after panic; therapy may map that pattern together.
Informing family members stays within confidentiality limits and client preference.
Sleep disruption can fuel panic cycles; sleep hygiene may be discussed when relevant.
Caffeine and sleep loss may trigger symptoms for some people; lifestyle review may help.
Avoidance of transit, elevators, or crowds is common; graded exposure may be discussed when clinically appropriate.
Rapid breathing during panic can be a normal body response; breathing exercises do not fit everyone the same way.
Work schedules and break plans may be discussed for clients who panic at work.
Fear of 'what if it happens again' can increase avoidance after panic.
Sensitivity to bodily sensations often sits at the center of panic cycles.
Avoidance often expands after panic; therapy may map that pattern together.
Informing family members stays within confidentiality limits and client preference.
Sleep disruption can fuel panic cycles; sleep hygiene may be discussed when relevant.
Caffeine and sleep loss may trigger symptoms for some people; lifestyle review may help.
Avoidance of transit, elevators, or crowds is common; graded exposure may be discussed when clinically appropriate.
Rapid breathing during panic can be a normal body response; breathing exercises do not fit everyone the same way.
Work schedules and break plans may be discussed for clients who panic at work.
Fear of 'what if it happens again' can increase avoidance after panic.
Sensitivity to bodily sensations often sits at the center of panic cycles.
Avoidance often expands after panic; therapy may map that pattern together.
Informing family members stays within confidentiality limits and client preference.
Sleep disruption can fuel panic cycles; sleep hygiene may be discussed when relevant.
Caffeine and sleep loss may trigger symptoms for some people; lifestyle review may help.
Avoidance of transit, elevators, or crowds is common; graded exposure may be discussed when clinically appropriate.
Rapid breathing during panic can be a normal body response; breathing exercises do not fit everyone the same way.
Work schedules and break plans may be discussed for clients who panic at work.
Fear of 'what if it happens again' can increase avoidance after panic.
Sensitivity to bodily sensations often sits at the center of panic cycles.
Avoidance often expands after panic; therapy may map that pattern together.
Informing family members stays within confidentiality limits and client preference.
Sleep disruption can fuel panic cycles; sleep hygiene may be discussed when relevant.
Caffeine and sleep loss may trigger symptoms for some people; lifestyle review may help.
Avoidance of transit, elevators, or crowds is common; graded exposure may be discussed when clinically appropriate.
Rapid breathing during panic can be a normal body response; breathing exercises do not fit everyone the same way.
Work schedules and break plans may be discussed for clients who panic at work.
Fear of 'what if it happens again' can increase avoidance after panic.
Sensitivity to bodily sensations often sits at the center of panic cycles.
Seek emergency medical care for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or stroke-like symptoms; this text does not diagnose.
This page is for general information only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do panic attacks go away?
Symptoms may lessen; recurrence varies. Psychotherapy can support, without guaranteed outcomes.
Are medications needed?
Medical decisions belong with physicians; therapists do not prescribe.
How many sessions?
Depends on goals; frequency is planned together.