ABOUT Panic Disorder

 

Panic disorders are another type of anxiety disorder that is caused by constant panic attacks. For those who are unfamiliar with panic attacks, they occur from sudden intense fear and a strong sense of losing control. Even if no real danger or harmful activity is occurring, panic attacks can still happen regardless of the situation. Just to be clear, most people do have one or two panic attacks within their lifetime, but that does not mean they have a panic disorder. Panic disorders are diagnosed through constant and repeated panic attacks, which can happen several times a day. People diagnosed with this disorder tend to constantly worry about when their next attack will occur, which leads to avoiding places and situations where these attacks have happened in the past. 

Panic attacks are nowhere near being life-threatening, but they can affect your everyday routine and quality of life without a doubt. Panic disorders need to be treated immediately before they worsen and lead to harmful health conditions like depression and substance use. The disorder usually starts in the late teens or as early as childhood and is more common for women than men. People who have suffered from severe trauma as a child or felt significant stress are more likely to develop this disorder. Other causes occur from genetics, hostile environments, and massive stress. 

 
 

Emotional Symptoms May Include

  • Sudden and repeated panic attacks derived from constant fear and anxiety

  • Fear of death or being out of control from a panic attack

  • The constant worry of the next panic attack

  • Avoiding certain situations and places where previous attacks have occurred

  • Feeling disconnected from yourself

Physical Symptoms May Include

  • Pounding heart

  • Constant sweating and chills

  • Shaking and shivering

  • Trouble breathing

  • Feeling weak or dizzy

  • Stomach Pain

  • Nausea

  • Stomach Pain

 
 

Panic Disorder Treatment

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the most effective treatment of panic disorder. Treatment is crucial for people who have developed emotional and physical symptoms. ERP is a necessary component of CBT for most anxiety conditions, especially panic disorder. The two components include exposures—facing fears in a systematic, gradual, and purposeful manner to elicit anxiety—and response (or ritual) prevention—actively resisting safety behaviors and other avoidant strategies that only offer a short-term reduction of symptoms but maintain the cycle of anxiety and avoidance in the long-term. Our therapists will guide you to progressively face the situations and thoughts that provoke your panic disorder while learning how not to react with rituals, compulsions, reassurance seeking, or avoidance.