One must also bear in mind that the above description of panic attack applies as much to those of us who experience isolated attacks at, say, a time of great personal stress, as to those who experience the regular and repeated episodes that amount to the condition known as ‘panic disorder.’ There is considerable evidence (Marks 1987, Gournay 1996) that single episodes of panic are extremely common in the population, with 1 in 4 of us experiencing a panic attack in our lifetime. Of course, most people who have panic attacks do not seek or receive treatment. However, sufferers of panic disorder often lead a miserable and restricted life and, unfortunately, many do not receive treatment because of the shortage of suitably skilled and trained therapists.