What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is characterized by the presence of recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is defined as the abrupt onset of intense fear and discomfort that typically peaks within minutes and may include some or all the following physiological symptoms:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- A feeling of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
- Chills or hot flashes
- Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations)
- Derealization (feelings of unreality)
- Depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
While anxiety is often accompanied by uncomfortable physiological symptoms (e.g., nausea, racing thoughts), what differentiates panic attacks is the sudden onset of intense symptoms that typically reach their highest intensity within 10 minutes of onset, and then begin to subside. Due to the intensity of symptoms, individuals with panic disorder begin to fear future panic attacks, and may engage in avoidance or other “safety behaviors” to try to reduce the likelihood that they will experience future panic attacks, which can significantly impact their daily life and limit their ability to function. Sometimes, panic attacks are entirely unexpected or “out-of-the-blue” and may occur in situations when the person is calm or even sleeping.
Individuals who experience panic attacks may seek out emergency medical attention for their symptoms or suffer in silence for years before accessing an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Panic Disorder
The Center for Emotional Health clinicians specialize in exposure-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the gold standard, evidence-based treatment for panic disorder. Working in collaboration with our patients, clinicians utilize interventions to engage with inaccurate and catastrophic thought processes that contribute to panic and improve the their daily functioning by gradually and systematically engaging with anxiety-provoking thoughts, situations, and internal sensations without engaging in safety behaviors to reduce their distress.
To enhance motivation and promote successful treatment, CEH clinicians may utilize elements of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and/or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for individuals who may benefit from these therapy techniques aimed at changing the ways in which individuals respond to their thoughts and emotions. Ultimately, this process enables individuals to live fuller, richer, more meaningful lives.