Panic attack disorder therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to help individuals suffering from recurrent and debilitating panic attacks. During therapy sessions, individuals work closely with trained Thriveworks Bethlehem therapists to identify and understand the triggers and thought patterns that contribute to their panic attacks. Through panic attack disorder therapy, individuals learn to manage their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and regain control over their lives, ultimately leading to a reduction in the severity of panic attacks.
Panic attack disorder therapy often utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques like exposure therapy and relaxation exercises to help individuals manage and mitigate panic attacks. These methods involve desensitizing triggers, reducing physical and emotional symptoms, and challenging irrational thought patterns to empower individuals to recognize, control, and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
Panic Disorder Treatment in Bethlehem, PA—Counseling for Panic Attacks (Lehigh Valley)
At Thriveworks Bethlehem, our professionals tailor treatment to each client’s symptoms and needs, treating each individuals panic disorder symptoms individually.
Panic Disorder Diagnostics
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) acknowledges the seriousness and severity of panic attacks and gives the diagnostics for when they have developed into panic disorder (DSM-5 300.01 [F41.0]). The signs and symptoms of panic disorder include:
A panic attack must involve a minimum of four of the following symptoms:
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- Fear of going crazy or losing control
- Excessive perspiration
- Fear of dying
- Palpitations or abnormally rapid heart beat
- Feeling detached from oneself
- Shaking or trembling
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Dizziness or faintness
- A choking feeling
- Hot flashes or chills
- Shortened breath or feeling smothered
- Abdominal pain or nausea
- Chest discomfort/pain
- After experience a panic attack(s), also experiencing either or both of these for at least a month:
- Changing one’s daily routine in an attempt to avoid a panic attack.
- Feeling acute worry about another panic attack striking and/or experiencing a similar negative health consequences like having a stroke or heart attack.
Diagnosing a panic disorder comes with an important caveat: the panic attacks cannot be attributable to another mental health disorder, physical health disorder, or medication/drug use.
Psychological Treatments for Panic Disorders
Missing out of daily life is not a desirable treatment plan for panic disorders. Instead, what if people who suffered from panic attacks could go about their normal life but without the fear and without the panic? Skilled counselors can tailor a treatment plan that potentially diminishes the frequency and severity of panic attacks and may even eliminate them completely. Many effective treatments are available, and they can be combined to meet people’s specific needs.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This therapy examines any patterns in thought or behavior that may cause or exacerbate the panic. Cognitive behavior therapy also looks at how those may have formed, seeks to resolve the foundational issue, and build healthy thought and behavior patterns.
- Medication: This treatment may control or even alleviate symptoms for a period of time. When combined with cognitive behavior therapy or exposure therapy, medication may increase the success of treatment. Options for medication usually include benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
- Exposure therapy: Under a therapist’s supervision and in a safe space, this therapy exposes clients to the sensations and feelings of a panic attack in order to normalize them and build coping skills for dealing with them. As clients learn how to respond in a health way to the feelings of panic, the attacks may decrease if not stop completely.
Scheduling Therapy at Thriveworks Bethlehem, PA
Thriveworks Bethlehem has appointments available for panic attack disorder therapy. We want each client to find the right therapy that addresses their unique symptoms and needs.
Thriveworks Bethlehem is ready to help. Call today to work with a therapist or psychologist.
