Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Counseling
Panic attacks is an abrupt intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within less than 10 minutes and includes 4 of the following:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Feelings of choking
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Dizzy, lightheaded, faint, unsteady
- Chills or heat sensations
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
Panic Disorder includes the following criteria:
- Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks
- Persistent concern about additional attacks or their consequences
- Change in behavior related to the attacks
The Role of Fear, Panic, and Avoidance
Avoiding what we fear actually makes that fear grow. For example, if someone is afraid of public speaking, then they will avoid speaking in public. This can generalize to speaking at work meetings or even family gatherings. Avoidance reduces our exposure to the feared object or situation, and the feared object or situation will grown our minds when left unchallenged. When we challenge what we fear, it allows our brains to re-learn that the object or situation is not as scary as we perceive. The intense experience of panic symptoms leads one to avoid what they think caused the panic attack, and they can eventually become afraid of just the panic symptoms.
Treatment for Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks
Medication can be useful for reducing symptoms of panic, however it will not cure panic and it may hinder progress of treating panic attacks and panic. Exposure Therapy with Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are the evidence-based treatments for panic attacks and panic disorder. Exposure treatment works by gradually exposing the individual to their fear and not allowing them to avoid that fear. The brain and body will relearn that the feared object or situation is not as scary as one perceived. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides skills and strategies to manage ones stress response, anxiety, and fear emotions while engaging in the Exposure Treatment.
Our clinicians are trained and have experience in providing these evidence-based treatments.
Contact our office at (847) 461-8414