What is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is an intense surge of fear or discomfort that reaches its peak within minutes and includes physical and emotional symptoms.

Those with panic disorder often live in fear of experiencing another attack, which can lead to significant changes in behavior, such as avoiding certain places or situations.

Common Symptoms & Experience

Common Symptoms

Here are three common symptoms of panic disorder:

Frequent Panic Attacks

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks that occur without an obvious trigger. These attacks can happen at any time, even when you're calm or relaxed.

Physical Symptoms

During a panic attack, individuals experience intense physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, and sweating.

Constant Worry or Fear of Future Attacks

After experiencing a panic attack, there is often an overwhelming fear or anxiety about having another attack, which can lead to avoiding places or situations where previous attacks occurred.

Experiences

Here are three common experiences of panic disorder:

Avoidance Behavior

After experiencing panic attacks, individuals may begin to avoid certain places or situations where they previously had an attack, such as crowded areas, public transportation, or driving. This can lead to social isolation and reduced mobility.

Constant Hypervigilance

Many people with panic disorder live in a state of constant worry or fear that a panic attack will happen again. This leads to heightened anxiety and a sense of being on edge throughout the day.

Impact on Daily Functioning

Panic disorder can interfere with work, relationships, and daily activities. The unpredictability of panic attacks, along with the intense fear of having one, can make it difficult to focus, engage socially, or maintain routine tasks.

How Psychological Therapy Can Help You

Psychological therapy can be highly effective in managing panic disorder. Here are three key ways it can help:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most common and effective treatments for panic disorder. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and irrational fears that contribute to panic attacks.
Therapy teaches healthier thinking and coping strategies, reducing the fear of panic attacks and addressing the underlying anxiety that triggers them.

In exposure therapy, individuals gradually and safely face situations or physical sensations that trigger panic attacks. This helps reduce avoidance behaviors and allows people to build tolerance to discomfort, eventually lowering the frequency and intensity of attacks.

Exposure Therapy

Relaxation Techniques and Mindfulness

Therapy teaches relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness practices to help calm the body during a panic attack.
These techniques help regulate the fight-or-flight response, allowing individuals to stay grounded and reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of panic.