Panic
What is Panic?
Panic is a specific form of anxiety characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear. These panic attacks can be triggered by predictable situations or they can come out of nowhere, and they can be incredibly frightening, often making you feel like you’re losing control or even having a heart attack. If you experience panic attacks, you are likely very attuned to physical sensations in your body associated with anxiety, and you may interpret these sensations as a sign of danger when they arise. This can create a vicious cycle of more anxiety and frightening sensations, ultimately spiraling into a panic attack. Some people with Panic Disorder haven’t experienced a panic attack in years, but still live in constant fear of having another one.
How Panic Disorder
Can Affect You
Physical Symptoms
Fears of Impending Doom
You might interpret the physical symptoms that you experience during a panic attack as signs that something terrible is happening. You may fear that you are losing control, passing out, losing your mind, or having a heart attack.
Avoidance
You may avoid situations, activities, or places where you think you might have a panic attack – or where you’ve had a panic attack before – in order to prevent one from happening.
Anticipatory Anxiety
How NYCBT Can Help
At NYCBT, we understand what makes panic unique from other forms of anxiety, and we specialize in providing personalized, effective, evidence-based treatment for panic attacks. Your therapist will work with you to address your panic attacks in a supportive environment, using approaches that research has shown to be highly effective. These include practical coping skills that will help you gain a sense of empowerment and greater control over the thoughts, physical sensations, and emotions that occur during your panic attacks.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to panic. You will learn how your thoughts or interpretations can lead to panic attacks, including misinterpretations of the physical sensations that you experience. By reframing these thoughts, challenging your misinterpretations, and changing ineffective strategies that you have used to cope with your panic, your anxiety and panic will decrease and your overall mental health will improve.
Interoceptive Exposure Therapy
Interoceptive exposure therapy is designed to help you face the specific physical sensations of a panic attack in a safe and controlled environment. Through gradual, therapeutic exposure to these sensations, you will learn that you are not actually in danger when they occur. As a result, you will become less hypervigilant about your sensations, less distressed when they arise, and less afraid of the situations or activities that might cause them.