Panic attacks are sudden and overwhelming attacks of anxiety and fear. Most people experience physical symptoms, such as heart pounding, sweat, and difficulty breathing. The triggers and timing of panic attacks vary by person. Isolated panic attacks are normal, but when the attacks happen more frequently or increase in severity, it is called panic disorder. Panic disorder can make it difficult for patients to live their lives, and can lead to difficulties in relationships, at work or at school.
Some of the symptoms of panic disorder include:
- sudden and repeated panic attacks of overwhelming anxiety and fear;
- feeling out of control during a panic attack;
- fears of death or doom during a panic attack;
- anxiety about the next panic attack; and
- physical symptoms, such as pounding heart, sweating, chills, trembling, difficulty breathing, weakness, chest pain and nausea.
If you’re experiencing panic attacks or panic disorder, there is hope. Psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for patients with panic issues. At Texas Whole Life Counseling, we frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of panic attacks and panic disorder. Using CBT, we can find the triggers for your attacks and develop different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to the feelings that happen during or before a panic attack.
With treatment, the attacks can become less frequent and less severe. To get help with your panic attacks or panic disorder, make an appointment online now to get started with one of our therapists.
If you’re unsure if you have panic attacks, use our free and confidential self-evaluation tool to help you gauge your risk or speak with one of our counselors.
