Online Therapy for Panic Disorder
On the United We Care mental health platform, you can find licensed counselors and therapists for panic disorder who are specialized in assessing, diagnosing, treating and preventing panic attacks and the symptoms of panic disorder.
What are Panic Attacks?
A panic attack is an intense swing of fear characterized by unexpectedness and exhausting, immobilizing intensity. Your heart pounds, and you may find it difficult to breathe, accompanied by a feeling of dying or going crazy.
Types of Panic Attacks
There are 3 types of anxiety disorder:
Spontaneous Panic Attacks
They occur without any warning or signs, and are spontaneous. There are no situational or environmental triggers involved.
Situationally Bound Panic Attacks
These attacks occur when there is an actual situation or anticipation about a certain event that causes panic. For e.g. A person with a fear of enclosed spaces might have a panic attack while entering or thinking about entering an elevator.
Situationally Predisposed Panic Attacks
These types of panic attacks might be induced when the person is exposed to the fear-inducing situation, but do not always occur.
What is Panic Disorder?
Do you sometimes have sudden attacks of anxiety and an overwhelming fear that lasts for several minutes? Maybe your heart pounds, you sweat, or you are unable to breathe or think in certain situations. Do these attacks occur at uncertain times with no obvious trigger, causing you to worry about having another one at any time? If so, you may have a panic disorder.
Effects of Panic Disorder
This is a type of anxiety disorder. If not taken seriously or treated, panic disorder can impact the quality of life as it may lead to other fears and mental health disorders, problems at work or school, and social isolation.
Triggers for Panic Attacks
Panic attacks often strike out of the blue, without any signs or indications, and sometimes might occur with no clear trigger. They may even occur when you’re relaxed or asleep.
Do I Have Panic Disorder? | Online Anxiety Screening Test
You can take a free online anxiety screening and assessment test to find out if you have anxiety or anxiety disorder.
Treatment for Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder can be treated by 2 main approaches: medication and psychotherapy.
Medication
Medication is used to reduce the symptoms of panic attacks. Medication works better when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy
In psychotherapy, the two main therapies are used to treat panic attacks are:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The purpose of CBT is to help the client overcome negative automatic thoughts which results in panic attacks, and teaching them to overcome their panic by changing the way they think and react.
Exposure Therapy
In exposure therapy, also known as desensitization, the client is exposed to the panic-inducing situation gradually over time.
Preventing Panic Episodes | How to Prevent Panic Attacks From Happening in the Future
It is very important to know few tips if you have symptoms or are having an episode of panic disorder:
Educate Yourself
Thorough knowledge about panic attacks can help you identify triggers for panic attacks and manage them properly.
Professional Help
A panic disorder therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and formulate a treatment plan to manage or stop panic attacks.
Open Up with Friends and Family
Do not hesitate to seek help from family and friends. You'll surely benefit from a calm presence and support in difficult times.
Ground Yourself
Fear builds quickly during a panic attack. If you are afraid that something is wrong with you, in such a situation grounding can help. It helps you focus on other things in your environment rather than your fear. Try one or a combination of the following: find 3 colors to focus on in the room, two textures or sensations (unrelated to the attack), one taste and one smell.
Blogs About Panic Attacks | Expert Advice
How to Deal with Anxiety
Learn how to deal with anxiety without therapy with 8 natural remedies for reducing anxiety and symptoms of anxiety disorder.
Do you think you are having an anxiety attack? Learn the signs and the best ways to prevent an anxiety attack from happening in the future.
Learn the best guided video meditation to deal with anxiety, anxiety attacks and anxiety disorder.