Panic Disorder Treatment
Take Back Control From Recurring Panic Attacks
Mental health concerns can be challenging enough, but for those struggling with panic disorder, it can be overwhelming and even debilitating. Panic disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by recurring and unexpected panic attacks.
While this condition can cause significant disruption to an individual’s life, the right approach to treatment can help them take back control over their lives. At Casa Recovery, we pair evidence-based therapy with holistic healing so your body, mind, and spirit can begin recovering together.
Understanding Panic Disorder
What a Panic Attack Really Feels Like
Panic disorder is, at its core, an anxiety disorder marked by unexpected, recurring panic attacks. A panic attack is an intense episode of discomfort or even fear, which generally lasts a few minutes and includes a handful of symptoms.
In some cases, individuals with panic disorder may avoid situations that can trigger a panic attack, such as work or other social settings. This leads to social isolation and results in additional stress.
The most common symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Feelings of impending trouble or doom
The treatment of panic disorder is critical, since the condition can have a significant and even debilitating effect on one’s quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks. Recognizing the signs of panic disorder and seeking professional help are cornerstones to managing it. Early intervention can boost the chances of successful treatment and lower the overall risk of the condition exacerbating into related or more severe conditions, like depression or agoraphobia.
Why Seeking Help Matters
Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength
Just like with many mental health challenges, the biggest key to successful anxiety panic disorder treatment is just that: treatment. While there is often a stigma surrounding mental health and seeking professional help, there doesn’t need to be — and if you need help, asking for it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
A skilled counselor or therapist can help individuals identify the underlying causes of their panic attacks and develop the personalized treatment plans needed to effectively address the disorder. Without proper treatment, panic disorder is likely to become progressively worse, eventually having a severe impact on both personal and professional life.
“Casa Recovery is a leader in compassionate therapy services, offering a comfortable, supportive environment to discover, unpack, and process your deepest emotional and mental health challenges — with an integrated approach that helps your body, mind, and spirit begin healing.”
— The Casa Recovery Approach
Types of Treatment
Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for Panic Disorder
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is central to treating panic disorder. A trained professional helps you identify the triggers and thought patterns behind your panic attacks, then build healthier ways to manage the anxiety at their root.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT helps individuals learn how to both identify and change the thought patterns that lead to panic attacks. By working to modify these thoughts, individuals build a healthier response to the situations that trigger their anxiety.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy gradually and safely allows an individual to confront their most deeply-feared situations or sensations. This builds confidence and reduces the intensity of the fear response over time, helping those with more severe panic disorder regain control.
Medication Management
Addressing the Neurochemical Side of Panic
Sometimes neurochemical imbalances need to be addressed alongside other treatment methods. Medication is frequently used to help minimize or even eliminate the symptoms associated with panic disorder.
SSRIs
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are popular antidepressant medications also used to reduce how often panic attacks occur and their general severity, while helping manage the broader symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are sedatives often used for short-term relief from severe anxiety, panic, and active panic attacks. Because they carry a high potential for abuse, they are usually prescribed short-term or when other treatments haven’t been effective.
Lifestyle & Self-Help
Four Changes That Strengthen Your Recovery
Professional treatment and medication are a great start, but positive lifestyle changes and a growing self-help tool kit dramatically improve the effectiveness of any treatment and boost overall well-being.
Stress Management
Learn to manage stress through relaxation techniques — deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation — as a healthier way to cope.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is incredibly important to mental health. The endorphins released during exercise improve mood and lower anxiety while boosting blood flow to the brain.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is your body and mind’s only chance for serious repair and maintenance. Falling short on sleep can be more damaging than many other negative health practices.
Support Group Attendance
Participating in a support group or group therapy sessions is a great way to gain emotional support and find encouragement and a sense of community during recovery.
A Safe Space for Healing Is Closer Than You Think
If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety or panic disorder, our experienced professionals can build a highly personalized plan so you can begin your healing journey. Reach out today.