New course to counter Holland’s big panic attack

25 August 2005

AMSTERDAM — Some 250,000 people suffer from panic attacks in the Netherlands and their treatment costs EUR 1.9 billion annually, the Trimbos Institute said on Thursday.

Trimbos is best known for treating drug addicts and alcoholics. It has now developed a training programme to treat people who suffer from anxiety attacks.

Each year an additional 80,000 people fall prey to the condition at a cost of EUR 671 million.

Panic attacks can lead to a range of complaints including heart palpitations, shaking, sweating, breathing difficulties and dizziness. Suffers can also become anxious in public places such as shops, cinemas and trains, RTL Nieuws reported.

The condition can be treated effectively with medication and counselling. But people are often too ashamed to get professional help.

The Trimbos course ‘Geen Paniek’ (No Panic) consists of eight sessions and is intended for adults with light to moderate panic attacks. The course is designed to teach people to avoid slipping into panic in difficult situations.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2005]

Subject: Dutch news