Panic Disorder Symptoms & Treatment

What is a panic attack?

Panic attacks are sudden spikes of overwhelming fear or anxiety. Panic attacks feel much more intense than generalized, day-to-day anxiety and can include a number of distressing physical symptoms. Typically, when a panic attack comes on, people believe they are experiencing a heart attack, they cannot breathe, or they are losing control or dying.

Panic attacks are usually brief but intense. Symptoms typically peak within 10 minutes and end within 30 minutes. However, some symptoms can linger for longer.

Some people report panic attacks seem to come out of the blue, with no linked trigger. For other people, panic attacks are strongly linked to specific a specific setting or source of anxiety (i.e., driving over a bridge, enclosed spaces, crowded places, or any setting where a panic attack has previously occurred).

Symptoms of Panic Attack

• Pounding or racing heart

• Sweating

• Trembling or shaking

• Fear of “going crazy” or losing control

• Feeling of being detached from reality (“derealization”)

• Feeling as if you are observing yourself from outside your body (“depersonalization”)

• Difficulty taking deep breaths

• Sense of terror, dread, or impending doom

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Tingling sensations

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Fear of dying or losing control

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder develops when a person experiences ongoing worry or fear about when their next panic attack may be. Some people will also experience agoraphobia which means they are actively avoiding places, events or situations that might cause a panic attack due to fear of embarrassment, fear of being out of control or that it will be difficult to flee if a panic attack arises.

Treatment for Panic Disorder

Panic disorder and symptoms of agoraphobia can be extremely debilitating and can get in the way of living your life. Thankfully, treatment options are available that effectively reduce the intensity and frequency of these symptoms. People can get their life back!

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the first-line treatment for panic disorder. CBT works by identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns that trigger panic attacks. Typically, a CBT therapist will help clients think more flexibly about their anxiety. Clients will learn that the physical symptoms they are experiencing are not actually dangerous and clients will learn to tolerate the physical sensations by knowing they are not harmful.

Exposure Therapy

During exposure therapy, the client is intentionally exposed to the physical symptoms of panic in a safe environment. As exposure continues, symptoms become more familiar and less scary. Exposure may also include gradual exposure to feared situations or events client’s have been avoiding as a result of the panic symptoms.

Relaxation Techniques

Some CBT therapists will incorporate relaxation techniques as part of the treatment. Relaxation techniques help induce the parasympathetic nervous system and help one’s body relax. These techniques include paced breathing, grounding with the senses and progressive muscle relaxation. These are tangible exercises that can empower clients and help give them some sense of control to help combat panic attacks.

Medication

Medication is often added to make the client comfortable enough to participate in CBT. Medication for panic attacks can be a very beneficial treatment for severe cases and it can always be discussed with your therapist on a case by case basis.

These treatments greatly reduce the fear associated with panic attacks. As the fear diminishes, the attacks themselves become less frequent and less severe.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy of Central and South Florida offers in-person and virtual CBT for anxiety. Learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy or request a consultation to start feeling better today.