Cognitive behavior therapy
Panic disorder can be treated, and the primary goal of treatment is to help minimize the chance of future panic attacks. For many patients, it is essential to treat any underlying or concurrent conditions, such as medical problems, other anxiety disorders, or substance abuse issues. Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective for between 70% and 80% of patients. Studies also show that this therapy is effective in patients both with and without agoraphobia.
Cognitive behavior therapy is designed to help patients change their thinking process and their thoughts regarding anxiety and panic attacks. This helps decrease symptoms of anxiety when confronted with thoughts or situations that typically induce panic. This form of therapy can be very effective.
One highly beneficial form of therapy for patients with panic disorder is what is known as interoceptive therapy. This therapy works to safely simulate the symptoms of a panic attack to help patients change their thinking processes and their anxiety during these symptoms. A few of the symptom inductions used in this therapy include:
- Intentional hyperventilation, which causes blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness and derealization
- Straw breathing, which causes shortness of breath and airway constriction
- Spinning in a chair, which causes disorientation and dizziness
- Running in place, which causes a racing heart, increased respiration, and sweating
- Breath holding, which causes a sensation of being out of breath
- Body tensing, which causes feelings of being tense and very aware or vigilant
By evoking these symptoms, which are considered to be the most frightening symptoms that accompany a panic attack, it is possible to help a patient learn to experience them without anxiety. The patient learns that the symptoms do not need to be feared and will eventually become desensitized to them when they do not result in catastrophic results. Studies show that the symptom inductions should take place for about a minute each at least three to five times per day until the patient no longer feels anxious when they occur.
Summary
Panic disorder is very different from a panic attack. If you suffer frequent panic attacks and live in fear of when the next one may strike, it may offer you great benefit to speak with a mental health professional about the possibility of panic disorder. The condition is highly treatable, and the prognosis for people who seek appropriate treatment is excellent.
Could I Have Panic Disorder?
If you think you may have panic disorder, it can offer great benefit to speak with a mental health professional. The following questions can help you better determine if you might have panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
Do you experience recurrent and unexpected panic attacks?
If so, have you experienced a month or more with at least one of the following symptoms:
- A constant worry about having another panic attack
- Worry about the implications or consequences of a panic attack
- Significant changes in behavior because of the panic attacks
Do you show symptoms of agoraphobia?
Are your panic attacks caused by the direct effects of a substance, such as medication, drugs, alcohol, or caffeine, or by a medical condition?
If you experience symptoms of panic disorder that cannot be explained by substance use or a medical condition and that are not caused by another condition, you should speak with a mental health professional. A majority of people with panic disorder are able to recover completely from the condition.