Panic disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety where you experience regular panic attacks. Some are triggered by specific situations while others may occur randomly, making panic disorder highly unpredictable, which may, in turn, lead to further feelings of anxiety.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is an intense feeling of anxiety that can be incredibly unpleasant. You may experience a range of physical and mental symptoms, including:
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Tight chest
- Feeling faint
- Rapid breathing
- Shaking
- Feelings of dread
- Feeling like you are going to die
Most panic attacks last no more than 20 minutes. They can be very distressing but are not dangerous to your physical health.
Why seek treatment?
Panic disorder is a highly treatable condition.
Not only are panic attacks unpleasant, but many people experience additional anxiety around the fear of having attacks. They may find they are unable to lead a normal life because they avoid certain situations due to the fear of having an attack, or because they are about having an attack in public.
Engaging with treatment can allow you to bring your panic attacks under control and take back control of your life.
How we treat panic disorder
You will be paired with a therapist experienced in treating panic disorder.
We use an integrative approach, so your therapy will be tailored to you. In the first session, you'll spend some time getting to know your therapist so that they can provide you with the perfect programme.
Panic disorder is often treated with a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approach to tackle the symptoms, and a range of counselling methods to explore the root causes of the attacks to ensure they do not recur.
We'll work at your pace, so your therapy can move forward as fast or as slow as you are comfortable with.
The things you will learn will stay with you for the rest of your life. So, even after your therapy has finished, you will continue to benefit from the sessions.