Interoceptive and in vivo exposureInteroceptive exposure involves becoming less frightened of the symptoms of panic in a controlled manner. People are taught to be more realistic in their interpretation of panic symptoms and feared situations.
Triggers might be a thought or situation or a slight physical change such as faster heartbeat. Education will involve dispelling fears that people commonly have about this disorder such as that they are going crazy or will die as a result of the symptoms.Ĭognitive therapyThis part of treatment involves identifying triggers for panic attacks and understanding the fears you have about the symptoms of panic. This will involve talking about the 'fight or flight' response and details of how this affects the body.
several months to several years after short-term treatment has finished.Įducation about the disorderFollowing assessment, a therapist will teach you about anxiety in general, and panic disorder specifically. One advantage of CBT over medication is that it has been shown to be helpful in the long-term, i.e. There is evidence that CBT is more effective than medication in both the short and long term. The goal is to help you develop a less upsetting understanding of physical changes that occur when you are anxious. Psychological treatments Cognitive Behavioural Therap圜BT for panic disorder involves treatments that change the behaviour (exposure and anxiety management such as slow-breathing) and those that change anxiety-provoking and worrying thoughts (i.e. Both psychological and medication options will now be discussed. Each treatment must be considered for its suitability in your particular case. However, effective treatment should include behavioural treatment to limit avoidance. Is there a recommended treatment?Research suggests that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the preferred treatment but Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are also commonly used. Your choice of treatment may depend on the skill of the therapist, cost or other considerations. The major treatments for panic disorder are:Įach of these treatments will be briefly described with the potential advantages and disadvantages listed. It is important to remember though that even if treatment has been helpful, you will probably still experience symptoms of anxiety during your recovery. To reduce the vulnerability to future panics.To become aware of and stop fear-driven avoidance.To help you cope with and stop panic attacks.The aims of treatment for panic disorder are: There has been a great deal of research to find out which treatments are effective, that is, which treatments will significantly help someone with panic disorder. Panic disorder is a condition that we know a lot about. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.Department of Health | Effective treatments for panic disorder