Panic Attack

Imagine, says Reade Whinnem, you're on top of the Empire State Building with a 300 pound guy who's trying to push you over the edge--that's what a panic attack feels like. In this brief, black-and-white shot personal narrative, filmmaker Brett Ingram intercuts interview clips of panic attack disorder sufferer Whinnem speaking directly to the camera together with impressionistic, often speeded-up, near-hallucinogenic footage to convey the clawing, claustrophobic nature of a full-blown panic attack. In addition to recalling his own history with panic attacks--which began with an incident on a beach when he was a small child and have grown less frequent with the help of self-talk today--Whinnem discusses common traits of those who suffer from panic attacks (don't like to ride in airplanes, always choose aisle seats when going to the movies, never go on stage for any reason) and touches briefly on his experience with medications. With an estimated four million Americans affected by panic attacks, a good solid video on the subject would be a welcome addition; yet, while Panic Attack is a very well made documentary short, it's ultimately one man's story, not a therapeutic guide (even the meds that Whinnem used are not mentioned by name). Larger health collections will want to add; for others this is an optional purchase. A more useful program on social-related panic is I Think They Think…: Overcoming Social Phobia (VL-11/99).Aud: C, P. (R. Pitman)