Anxiety and panic attack treatment in Islamabad

Anxiety becomes a problem when worry is constant, hard to control and starts deciding what a person can and cannot do. Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack, and many people visit emergency departments several times before anyone mentions anxiety.

At Health Plus, our psychologists teach practical ways to manage anxiety, and our psychiatrists add medicine when it helps. Most people are treated as outpatients.

When 'tension' turns into an anxiety disorder

In Pakistan, anxiety is often called 'tension' or 'BP', and people are told to rest or avoid stress. When it does not go away, some start relying on sleeping pills, pregabalin or charas to feel calm, which creates a second problem.

If worry, a racing heart, or fear of certain places has lasted for months, it is worth seeing someone. Anxiety disorders respond well to treatment.

Anxiety is also common in people recovering from addiction. When someone stops alcohol, pills or charas, the anxiety that was being covered up often comes back. Treating it properly is an important part of preventing relapse.

Signs to watch for at home

Noticing several of these over weeks, not days, is a reason to get advice.

• Constant worry that is hard to switch off
• Racing heart, sweating or shortness of breath
• Sudden panic attacks
• Avoiding places, people or situations
• Poor sleep and restlessness
• Using pills or substances to calm down

How anxiety is treated at Health Plus

Our psychiatrist first rules out physical causes and checks for depression or substance use, which often go together with anxiety.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with one of our psychologists is the main treatment for many people. It teaches how anxious thoughts work, how to calm the body, and how to face avoided situations step by step.

Where medicine is helpful, it is chosen carefully and reviewed. If someone has become dependent on sleeping pills or pregabalin, we plan a safe reduction alongside therapy.

Panic attack or heart attack?

A panic attack can cause a pounding heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, shaking, sweating, dizziness and a strong feeling that something terrible is about to happen. It usually peaks within ten minutes and then eases.

Because the symptoms overlap with heart problems, it is right to get checked by a doctor the first time, especially if the person is older, has heart disease in the family, or the pain spreads to the arm or jaw. If in doubt, call 1122.

Once heart problems have been ruled out, repeated panic attacks are very treatable. Our psychologists teach breathing techniques, how to ride out the wave of panic, and how to stop avoiding places where attacks have happened.

Many people are surprised by how quickly panic attacks reduce once they understand what is happening in their body.

How long treatment takes

Most people with anxiety attend outpatient sessions, often weekly for a few months. Residential care is only needed when anxiety comes with heavy pill or drug use, or severe depression.

What families can do

• Do not dismiss it as 'just tension'.
• Avoid doing everything for them. Gentle encouragement to face fears helps more.
• Notice if they are using pills or substances to cope.
• Help them keep regular sleep, meals and activity.
• Book a first OPD appointment together.

Who will care for your loved one

Next steps

• Outpatient (OPD)Consultations and counselling without staying at the clinic.
• Day Program4–6 hours of therapy and activities a day, going home in the evening.
• Rehab fees and roomsFrom PKR 120,000 a month
• How admission worksNine steps, from first call to discharge