What is Panic Disorder and How is it Treated?
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Without treatment, panic disorder can significantly reduce quality of life. CBT for panic disorder is a highly effective treatment.
What is a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that often peak within minutes. The physical sensations feel so frightening that one may believe they are having a heart attack or “going crazy.”
The Impact on Daily Life
Beyond the immediate terror of a panic attack, panic disorder can have a profound and lasting impact on daily life. The fear of experiencing another attack can lead to persistent worry and anxiety, causing individuals to avoid situations or activities that they believe might trigger an episode. This avoidance behavior can gradually narrow a person’s world, limiting their ability to work, socialize, and engage in activities they once enjoyed.
The constant worry and anticipation of future panic attacks can also lead to a range of emotional and psychological challenges, including:
- Persistent Anxiety: A constant state of worry and unease, which can interfere with concentration, sleep, and overall well-being.
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
- Social Isolation: Avoiding social situations due to fear of panic attacks, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Difficulty Functioning: Challenges in maintaining relationships, performing at work or school, and fulfilling daily responsibilities.
- Low Self-Esteem: Feeling ashamed or embarrassed about having panic attacks, leading to a negative self-image.
- Substance Abuse: In some cases, individuals may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the anxiety and fear associated with panic disorder.
Common Symptoms of Panic Disorder
- Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
- Avoidance of situations that may trigger a panic attack, such as being in a crowd, traveling, or exercising
- Physical symptoms during a panic attack, such as sweating, dizziness, trembling, a racing heart, and shortness of breath
- Fear or worry about having additional panic attacks
- Fear of future panic attacks: Persistent worry and fear about having another panic attack.
- Persistent concern or worry about the implications of the panic attacks, such as losing control or having a cardiac condition
Understanding Panic Attacks: A Closer Look
Panic attacks are not merely moments of heightened stress or anxiety. They are a physiological and psychological experience that can feel incredibly frightening.
The Vicious Cycle of Panic Disorder: A Self-Perpetuating Struggle
Panic disorder often ensnares individuals in a relentless cycle that fuels and sustains their anxiety. This self-perpetuating cycle typically begins with a trigger, which can be an external event (like a crowded place or a stressful situation) or an internal sensation (like a racing heart or dizziness). This trigger then sparks a cascade of interconnected thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that reinforce the fear of panic attacks.
- The Trigger: The cycle is often initiated by a perceived threat, either real or imagined. This could be a specific situation, a physical sensation, or even a thought.
- Misinterpretation: The trigger is often misinterpreted as a sign of impending doom. A racing heart might be interpreted as a heart attack, dizziness as a sign of fainting, or shortness of breath as an inability to breathe.
- Fear and Anxiety: This misinterpretation leads to intense fear and anxiety. The body’s fight-or-flight response is activated, releasing stress hormones that exacerbate physical symptoms.
- Physical Symptoms: The surge of stress hormones leads to physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are then further misinterpreted as evidence of a catastrophic event, amplifying the fear and anxiety.
- Avoidance and Safety Behaviors: To cope with the fear and anxiety, individuals may start avoiding situations or activities that they believe might trigger a panic attack. They may also engage in safety behaviors, such as carrying medication, having a trusted person nearby, or leaving a situation as soon as they feel anxious.
- Reinforcement: Avoidance and safety behaviors provide temporary relief from anxiety, but they also reinforce the fear of panic attacks. By avoiding feared situations, individuals never get the opportunity to learn that they can cope with them effectively.
- Anticipatory Anxiety: The fear of having another panic attack can lead to anticipatory anxiety, a constant worry about when and where the next attack will occur. This heightened anxiety can then become a trigger itself, starting the cycle anew.
Breaking the Cycle with Therapy for Panic Attacks
Breaking free from the vicious cycle of panic disorder requires addressing each link in the chain. Therapy, particularly CBT and ACT, can equip individuals with the skills and tools they need to challenge their negative thoughts, manage their physical symptoms, and gradually face their fears in a safe and supportive environment. With time and effort, it’s possible to overcome panic disorder and reclaim a life free from the fear of panic attacks.
CBT for Panic Disorders
CBT for panic disorder is highly effective, with a success rate of 70-90%.
It focuses on:
- Changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior that maintain anxiety
- Gradual exposure to physical sensations associated with panic attacks
- Learning to respond differently to panic symptoms
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can complement CBT by helping individuals make room for uncomfortable physical sensations and thoughts. Dropping the struggle against anxiety helps reduce its power over us and break the cycle of panic disorder.
With effective treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Contact us today to find out more about therapy for panic disorder at Anxiety Care NY.
Learn more about panic disorder on the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies website
Panic Disorder Treatment with CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established and highly effective treatment for panic disorder. CBT helps individuals understand the underlying causes of their panic attacks and develop coping strategies to manage them.
Here’s how CBT works for panic disorder:
- Identifying and Challenging Negative Thoughts: CBT helps individuals identify the negative thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety and fear of panic attacks. These thoughts are then challenged and replaced with more realistic and positive ones.
- Gradual Exposure: Through a process called exposure therapy, individuals are gradually exposed to the physical sensations and situations that trigger their panic attacks. This helps them learn that these sensations and situations are not dangerous and that they can cope with them effectively.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A Complementary Approach to Stop Panic Attacks
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another valuable tool in the treatment of panic disorder. ACT focuses on accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings rather than trying to fight them. This can help individuals reduce the struggle against anxiety, which can, in turn, lessen its power over them.
Reclaim Your Life and Stop Panic Attacks
Panic disorder is a treatable condition. With the right therapy and support, you can break the cycle of panic attacks, reduce your anxiety, and regain control of your life. If you’re struggling with panic disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Anxiety Care NY, we offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can work with experienced therapists who specialize in panic disorder treatment.
Panic Disorder Treatment in Rockville Centre, NY
With effective treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Available in Rockville Centre and online across NY & NJ. Contact us.