Mental health Treatment for
Panic Disorder
It’s hard to know how to pick the right therapist, right treatment and right fit for you. This blog is going to talk about the types of therapy interventions used to treat panic disorder so that you can make an informed decision about your mental health care.
Panic Disorder Defined
 It’s important to understand panic disorder and how it presents. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic. These episodes can be debilitating and can affect a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Panic can be associated with specific events, or can be generalized and can seem to occur “out of the blue”. Panic symptoms can be different for everyone, therefore reviewing your symptoms with a licensed therapist is important.Â
Option 1: Psychotherapy + CBT
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is a common treatment for panic disorder.Psychotherapy can help individuals with panic disorder learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
There are several types of therapy interventions that psychotherapists use to treat panic disorder. One of the most commonly used approaches is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy focuses on helping individuals identify and change negative or distorted thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their panic attacks. CBT often involves developing coping strategies, such as deep breathing and relaxation techniques, to help individuals manage their panic symptoms.Â
Option 2: Exposure & Response Prevention
Another therapy intervention that is effective for treating panic disorder is exposure therapy. This type of therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to the situations or objects that trigger their panic attacks, in a controlled and safe environment. The goal of exposure therapy is to help individuals overcome their fear of these triggers and reduce the intensity of their panic attacks. Because we specialize in the treatment of panic disorder, phobias and anxiety, we often dive into the details of this type of treatment. To learn more about exposure therapy, click here.
Option 3: Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
A third type of therapy that can be helpful for individuals with panic disorder is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is a type of CBT that focuses on helping individuals regulate their emotions and improve their relationships with others. DBT often involves teaching individuals skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation, which can help them manage their panic symptoms and reduce their risk of future panic attacks.
Option 4: Group Therapy
Additionally, group therapy can be beneficial for individuals with panic disorder. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and learn from one another. Group therapy can also help individuals with panic disorder develop social skills and improve their relationships with others.
Overall, there are several different types of therapy interventions that psychotherapists use to treat panic disorder. These interventions can help individuals learn to manage their symptoms, reduce the frequency and intensity of their panic attacks, and improve their overall quality of life. By working with a qualified psychotherapist, individuals with panic disorder can gain the tools and support they need to live a fulfilling life.
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