Panic Disorder

Panic attacks typically involve a rapid onset of intense anxiety, often reaching peak intensity within minutes. Common symptoms include palpitations, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling or shaking, feelings of smothering or choking, chest pain or discomfort, nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, chills or hot flashes, numbness or tingling sensations, and feelings of unreality or detachment from oneself (derealization or depersonalization).

Panic attacks can be extremely frightening for individuals experiencing them. It’s common for people to fear they are having a heart attack, losing control, or going crazy during an attack. This fear often leads to avoidance behaviours, such as avoiding places or situations where panic attacks have occurred before, or modifying behaviours to feel safer (like carrying water or going to stores during less busy times).

The experience of panic attacks can be profoundly frightening and disruptive to daily life. Individuals with panic disorder often develop a persistent fear of having future attacks, leading to anticipatory anxiety and avoidance behaviours. This may include avoiding situations or places where previous attacks occurred, modifying routines to minimize perceived triggers, or carrying safety objects like water bottles to cope with the fear of losing control or experiencing another attack in public.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is recognized as the gold standard treatment for panic disorder, offering effective strategies to manage and alleviate symptoms. A key component of CBT for panic disorder is Exposure Therapy, which involves systematically exposing individuals to situations, thoughts, or physical sensations that trigger panic attacks in a controlled and gradual manner. Through repeated exposure, individuals learn to confront and tolerate their anxiety without resorting to avoidance.