What is Panic Disorder?
Are there particular situations that make you feel so scared that your heart is beating very fast, you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, feeling hot or cold, trembling, or tingling in your arms and legs? Do you ever get so anxious that you think you will die? Do you get unpredictable panic attacks and you worry that you might be going crazy or losing control completely?
These are the most common symptoms associated with panic disorder. People who experience panic attacks are also often afraid of getting another panic attack, so they start avoiding places or situations where they think they might get one. This is called agoraphobia. Panic attacks are often related to enclosed spaces such as elevators, crowds, transportation (bus, subway, airplane), bridges, heights, etc. Panic attacks can also induce a sense of out of body experience, fear of having a serious medical condition and fear of dying. Even though panic attacks are incredibly difficult to experience, they are also one of the most treatable psychological disorders. Our staff at New York Behavioral Health uses evidence-based practices and can help you improve your symptoms very soon.
How Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Can Help with Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia. Considerable improvement can be achieved in as little as 12 sessions. Warm, caring, professionals can offer CBT therapy in a comfortable setting at New York Behavioral Health, which is conveniently located on Lexington Avenue at 42nd Street. Our compassionate staff have been extensively trained in scientifically supported techniques to efficiently reduce your suffering. We also work with experienced and knowledgeable psychiatrists if we determine that medication could be helpful. We know it is not easy to get started, but we are here to help you get on the path to a better life. For information about CBT therapy, please email or call New York Behavioral Health, and a staff member will be there to answer your questions. Your privacy and comfort are a priority, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your problems and their treatment.
If you are interested in more technical details about panic disorder, please continue to read below, but at any point feel free to call us if we can be of help.
Panic Disorder Definition
Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by unpredictable panic attacks (intense experience of fear and/or dread).
Panic attacks include symptoms of:
chest pain or heart palpitations
fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy
constriction of the throat, as if choking
nausea, stomach upset
numbness or tingling
shortness of breath
perspiration, chills, or hot flashes
Although panic disorder involves incredibly distressful symptoms, it is one of the most treatable of all mental health disorders by cognitive behavioral treatments (CBT). At times, individuals may confuse the symptoms of a panic attack with physical/medical problems. Therefore, it is important to be quickly and accurately diagnosed by a clinician, so panic attack treatment can begin.