What is Panic Disorder?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been proven to be effective in treating panic disorder. CBT helps people with panic disorder gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors that contribute to the symptoms of panic attacks and teaches them skills to manage their reactions. It also provides education on the physical symptoms of panic attacks and how to manage them. By learning new ways of thinking and coping with stress, CBT can help people with panic disorder overcome their fear and anxiety.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps people with panic disorder to accept their condition and commit to making positive changes in their lives. It works by helping individuals identify the triggers that cause their panic attacks, as well as the thoughts and behaviors that keep them stuck in the cycle of panic. By using mindfulness-based techniques, such as breathing exercises and visualization, ACT helps people to become aware of their anxiety without becoming overwhelmed by it. This allows them to take action toward making positive changes in order to reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Exposure Therapy is a treatment approach that has been found to be especially effective in treating panic disorder. This type of therapy involves gradually exposing the individual to the situations and objects that trigger their panic attacks. By practicing this consistently with the help of a therapist, the individual can learn how to manage and eventually overcome their fear and anxiety. Through this process, individuals can gain control over their panic attacks and reduce their frequency or even eliminate them altogether.

Mindfulness-Based Behavioral Therapy (MBBT) is a form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals manage their panic disorder symptoms by developing awareness and acceptance of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. It focuses on helping individuals learn to recognize and manage their thoughts and emotions in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. MBBT combines mindfulness practices, cognitive restructuring, and behavior modification techniques to help individuals gain greater control over their reactions to anxiety-provoking situations. By learning how to become aware of their physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts in a nonjudgmental way, individuals can gain control over their panic disorder symptoms.

Please note that we do not have a psychiatrist on our staff or prescribe medications at The OCD Treatment Center but will work with your psychiatrist or prescribing doctor to help coordinate your highest level of care.

One of the most commonly prescribed medications for this condition are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. Studies have found that SSRIs are effective in treating panic disorder by reducing symptoms such as fear, worry, and avoidance behaviors. They may also help to reduce physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath associated with panic attacks.