Panic Disorder
Our expert clinicians provide the latest evidence-based treatments for those struggling with Panic Disorder.
What is Panic Disorder?
Panic Disorder is characterized by unexpected panic attacks that result in distressing symptoms (such as pounding heart, dizziness, difficulty breathing, intense anxiety, fear of dying or losing control) and fear of having more panic attacks. This fear can build over time and lead to a person avoiding situations, activities, or places that are identified with past feelings of anxiety or experiences of panic attacks, also called agoraphobia. This process can cause significant interference in the person’s life and lead to increased anxiety and more panic attacks in a self-perpetuating, ever-worsening cycle.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Panic Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective treatment for panic disorder (with or without medication). Clinicians at The Reeds Center utilize CBT protocols to teach individuals to understand the nature of panic and how to overcome it by changing the way they think and respond to their symptoms of panic. The intensity of treatment can range from weekly sessions to daily sessions for more rapid change, and clinicians and clients work together in assessment and treatment planning to determine the best course of action for each person’s needs.
FAQs
Experiencing panic attacks seemingly out of the blue can be distressing and confusing. While the exact cause of unexpected panic attacks can vary from person to person, there are some common explanations that can help shed light on this phenomenon– potential factors like biological factors, sensitization to bodily sensations, subconscious, underlying anxiety, and cognitive factors can contribute to the occurrence of panic attacks. Therapists at Reeds work with individual clients to help identify triggers and develop an individualized treatment plan to manage and reduce panic attacks.
Experiencing panic attacks seemingly out of the blue can be distressing and confusing. While the exact cause of unexpected panic attacks can vary from person to person, there are some common explanations that can help shed light on this phenomenon– potential factors like biological factors, sensitization to bodily sensations, subconscious, underlying anxiety, and cognitive factors can contribute to the occurrence of panic attacks. Therapists at Reeds work with individual clients to help identify triggers and develop an individualized treatment plan to manage and reduce panic attacks.
Medication can be a valuable component in the treatment of panic attacks, especially when used in conjunction with therapy. While Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often considered the first-line treatment for panic disorder, medication can play an important role in managing and reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. The decision to use medication is based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, individual preferences, and the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions. Through collaboration with clients and their prescribers, Reeds clinicians can explore treatment goals and an individualized plan that may include medication and therapy to effectively manage panic attacks and improve overall well-being.
Medication can be a valuable component in the treatment of panic attacks, especially when used in conjunction with therapy. While Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often considered the first-line treatment for panic disorder, medication can play an important role in managing and reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. The decision to use medication is based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, individual preferences, and the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions. Through collaboration with clients and their prescribers, Reeds clinicians can explore treatment goals and an individualized plan that may include medication and therapy to effectively manage panic attacks and improve overall well-being.