Dr. Rosen is a Board-Certified Psychologist, the Founder and Director of The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders, and Founder of The Children’s Center for Psychiatry Psychology and Related Services.
Panic Disorder Therapy
Feelings of terror that occur suddenly and without warning
The feeling that you are having a heart attack or that death is imminent
Your fear or terror is out-of-proportion to the true situation you are experiencing
What Are The Symptoms of a Panic Attack?
The typical panic attack begins with a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear
Your heart begins to race or pound
You may experience shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea
A full-blown panic attack can also include:
Chest pain
Hot or cold flashes
Shaking
Tingling sensations or numbness in the hands
Fear that you are dying, losing control, or going crazy
Free Panic Attack Test
If you're wondering if you suffer from panic attacks, take our free panic attack test. If you have any questions or need help, contact us immediately.
Such attacks usually develop abruptly, reach their peak within ten minutes, and last for approximately twenty minutes to a half hour.
Left untreated these attacks can often become more frequent and unexpected. The sufferer may begin changing their lifestyle as a result of the attacks, perhaps by avoiding certain places or situations in an attempt to control the panic experience. The pattern of avoidance and the level of anxiety associated with the attacks may so interrupt daily living that the person develops panic disorder.
Many Things Can Contribute to Panic Disorders
Panic attacks and panic disorder often runs in families and are frequently associated with:
Severe stress.
Major life transitions, such as graduation, marriage, the birth of a child, or a death in the family.
Some physical and medical conditions that can contribute to panic disorder, including:
Hyperthyroidism.
Hypoglycemia.
A minor cardiac problem where one or more of the heart’s valves don’t close properly.
Certain medications.
More and More Americans Are Plagued by Panic Disorders
You are not alone! More than 3 million Americans will suffer from panic disorders at some time in their lives, most of them women. Fortunately, between 70% and 90% of people can find relief through therapy, often noting improvement in as little as 6 to 8 weeks after starting treatment.
Why Is It So Important to Seek Treatment for Panic Disorders?
Panic attacks tend to take an emotional toll on the person because the memory of the intense fear and terror they experienced can impact self-confidence and disrupt their lives. Victims often feel very anxious and fearful because the attacks can not be predicted. People who suffer from panic disorder often are more likely to experience depression, attempt suicide, or abuse alcohol or drugs. Since neglecting treatment can lead to more dramatic affects, most experts encourage patients to seek help as soon as they realize their attacks are causing them to behave differently in their day-to-day lives.
Panic Disorder Treatments
Cognitive behavior therapy is generally the most effective treatment. It helps the patient focus on the thinking patterns and behaviors that are triggering the attacks. Exposure therapy, another successful remedy, exposes the patient to the physical sensations of panic in a safe and controlled environment so they can learn healthier ways of coping with their disorder. Generally speaking, these and similar types of psychotherapy have the most impact on the patient since they help address the emotional responses that are elicited from panic disorder.
Panic disorder does not normally go away on its own. If you or someone you love is experiencing panic attacks or panic disorder, don’t suffer needlessly - contact us today!