or do the irrational thoughts come first? Posted in Panic Attacks by Julie Cohen on Sep 14, 2010 This is such a great question about the underpinnings of panic attacks. It’s very similar to the whole chicken and egg scenario. I don’t know if I would answer this as one question. Rather each part of the question has it’s own answer. Can panic attacks cause irrational thoughts? Yes, if you have ever experienced a full blown panic attack you know that virtually everything about it is irrational. However, during the attack all the thoughts seem very real. One of the most common thoughts is about dying. The symptoms of a panic attack are so frightening and many people believe they are going to have a heart attack and die. It is only after the attack has passed do the rational thoughts return. When someone has learned the tools to manage an attack they can often have one foot in the rational and one in the irrational . I have heard many clients describe in the later stages of their work that during a panic attack they recognize what they are feeling as panic and wait it out. Do irrational thoughts come before a panic attack? Sometimes. One of the things that makes a panic attack so scary is that it seems unprovoked on the surface. I have had many clients tell me that their attack came out of nowhere. In fact, sometimes they seem to happen when everything is going well. Typically panic attacks can be traced back to an initial moment or event occurring several hours, days and even weeks before. Sometimes, a panic attack can be triggered unconsciously. For instance, a smell, a place, sound, etc. In both of these circumstances it can really feel as though the attack came out of left field and leaves one often feeling very helpless and out of control. On occasion a panic attack can be triggered by an irrational thought occurring right before the attack or when confronted by something related to an irrational thought. For instance, if one believes that all snakes will poison you and then a snake crosses one's path, a panic attack could be triggered. If you are experiencing panic attacks and have not sought treatment I would highly encourage you to do so. Often cognitive behavioral therapy is very good and helping to learn how to manage anxiety and panic attacks. http://www.dailystrength.org/health_blogs/julie-cohen/
article/do-panic-attacks-cause-irrational-thoughts-or-do-
the-irrational-thoughts-come-first I am not a Doctor, Nurse or Medical Professional. Im not even Dr. Seuss, Dr. Dolittle or Dr. Dre. :) I only share advice from my own personal experiences with Panic Attack Disorder. It is soley for information purposes only, please continue to take your Doctors advice. I share what I have learned, read, experienced and know what has helped me, I share this information in hopes it will be of help or comfort to someone else. Good luck, Relax, and lets continue to support one another, and conquer panic the best way we can! :)
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- Mark Twain
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