Fani Filippopoulou — Psychologist, Thessaloniki

Panic attacks are caused by anxious, fearful thoughts — without there being any real danger. The stress these thoughts create becomes physical. Working with a psychologist gives you the tools to manage them.

Anxiety is a normal feeling of fear or pressure. It becomes a problem when it is excessive, chronic and starts to affect daily life and manifest physically. A specialist can give you the tools to manage it.

Yes. On their own, panic attacks don’t necessarily require medication. In therapy you learn to recognise and reshape the thoughts that trigger them, so they gradually lose their power.

It’s important to see a specialist. That way your situation can be properly assessed and the right approach proposed — psychotherapy, medication (with a psychiatrist) or a combination of both.

A psychologist must maintain complete confidentiality. What you describe does not align with the code of ethics — confidentiality is only lifted when life is at risk. It’s best to discuss it openly to protect the trust in your therapeutic relationship.

There are several anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Cognitive – Behavioural Therapy reshapes the dysfunctional thoughts affecting you, helping you change how you feel and behave.