Panic Disorder

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that can occur within minutes and involves a variety of distressing physical symptoms and sensations. For most folks panic attacks are not a direct result of a clear danger or threat and therefore these tend to be unpredictable, which in turn causes heightened anxiety and distress. When panic attacks are recurrent, individuals develop a fear and apprehension to the experience of the panic attack taking place and this is often how panic disorder develops. Most people therefore experience hyper-vigilance and over-concern and also engage in certain behaviors to try to prevent the attacks from occurring.

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Some symptoms associated with panic attacks include:

· Rapid heart beat or palpitations

- Chest pain or tightness

- Sensations of shortness of breath

- Numbness or tingling sensations

- Shakiness

- Dry mouth

· Sweating

· Feelings of choking

- Dizziness or feeling faint

- Blurry vision

· Nausea

· Feeling very cold or very hot

· Feelings of unreality (derealization) or feeling detached from the self (depersonalization)

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If you identify with some of the symptoms listed above, know that it is possible for you to get relief. Our team is highly trained in the approaches of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention, which research shows are the most effective methods of treatment for Panic Disorder.