Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks that are unexpected and out of the blue, causing a person to feel intense fear. This fear can cause the individual to feel as if they are “going crazy” or to wonder if they are having a heart attack. The panic attacks often reoccur although their frequency and level of severity can vary from person to person. Left untreated, panic disorder can significantly limit a person’s ability to function in keys areas of their life.
Signs and Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Heart Palpitations
Elevated heart rate, pounding heart, and irregular heartbeat.
Shortness of Breath
Rapid breathing, feeling unable to catch breath, sensation of being smothered.
Chest Discomfort
Feelings of weight on the chest and chest pains.
Sweating
Excessive perspiration, hot flashes, feelings of clamminess.
Nausea
Nauseousness and feelings of an upset stomach.
Dizziness, Unsteady
Lightheadedness, feeling faint, off-balance, or dizzy.
Shakiness
Shaking and trembling of the hands, legs, or entire body.
Choking Sensation
Feelings of choking, difficulties swallowing.
Hot or Cold Sensations
Feeling flushed or chilled, and alternating from hot to cold body temperatures.
Numbness or Tingling
Sensations of numbness or tingling (called Paresthesias) may be felt.
Feelings of Unreality
Derealization or depersonalization, feeling detached from reality or from self.
Fear of Losing Control
Fear of going crazy and fear of dying are common symptoms of panic disorder.
Treatment for Panic Disorder
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients with panic to identify and work to change unhelpful thinking patterns that tend to keep them “stuck” and explore the way thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and how they have the power to change unhealthy patterns into healthy ones. Coping skills and confidence are developed to assist in achieving treatment goals. With consistent practice, as the ways in which situations are viewed and interpreted changes, often the situations themselves begin to change, too.
ERP
Exposure and Response Prevention is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that provides opportunities for clients with panic disorder to gradually face the things and situations they fear and over time, become desensitized, leading to less anxiety and more freedom. ERP and any therapeutic exposure exercises are always done at the comfort level of the client, as the client is the expert in themself and knows what pace works best for them. Exposure exercises can be practiced in therapy as well as in between sessions. Exposure therapies, including ERP, are highly effective and can provide clients with effects that are lasting.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy guides clients to discover what is truly important to them in their life and then take action towards living life in ways that they find deeply meaningful. The acceptance component of ACT emphasizes a non-judgmental approach to the way people experience their thoughts and feelings and encourages purposeful living, even in the face of challenges. In essence, if you are struggling with panic symptoms, ACT provides hope, clarity, and a compassionate path towards healing.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn