Are you feeling overwhelmed by sudden waves of panic that seem to come out of nowhere with no explanation? Whether you’ve experienced just one or many, panic attacks can be an unsettling experience. Luckily, panic disorder is treatable with therapy.

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we understand that panic disorder can turn everyday moments into looming challenges. Led by Dr. Catherine Marsh, our team is here to provide a safe, empowering environment where you can explore your experiences, learn effective coping strategies, and work towards a place of calm strength.

We’re committed to transforming these overwhelming waves into ripples that no longer dictate the course of your life.

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that’s characterized by recurrent and sudden panic attacks that occur without any danger present or obvious reason to warrant the episode. These moments of intense fear or discomfort can last from a few minutes to 30 minutes or more. Physical symptoms vary from person to person, but typically include shortness of breath, racing heart or heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, or trembling.

While panic attacks aren’t directly threatening, they can be a scary experience that significantly affects a person’s quality of life. These episodes and the resulting emotional symptoms can leave an individual feeling isolated and exhausted. Individuals with panic disorder may develop a fear of future attacks, which can lead to avoidance of certain situations or behaviors. Thankfully, therapy and medication, when necessary, can offer real relief from panic disorder.

What causes panic disorder?

Though the exact cause of panic disorder is not known, it’s generally believed to be the result of a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Those with a family history of anxiety disorders can be genetically predisposed to panic disorder. Individuals with imbalances in their neurotransmitters may also be at risk for developing panic disorder.

There are certain characteristics and tendencies that those who develop panic disorder may embody. Individuals who have difficulty setting and enforcing boundaries with others can be susceptible to panic disorder. Similarly, passive personalities who are involved in relationships riddled with conflicts or relationships with dominating personalities low on thoughtfulness can experience panic disorder.

The onset of extreme stress or a sudden traumatic experience, like a death, divorce, or major life transition can also trigger panic attacks. And once an individual has experienced a panic attack, they may be fearful of situations where another attack may occur, leading to heightened anxiety, avoidance, and worsening of the disorder. Understanding what may cause panic disorder helps individuals identify triggers and assists therapists in developing effective treatment strategies.

What Does Panic Disorder Look Like?

Panic disorder and ensuing attacks can look a little different for everyone. However, generally, they present with physical symptoms.

  • Sometimes a panic attack might affect the cardiac system with symptoms like an elevated heart rate or heart palpitations.

  • Other times, attacks might impact the respiratory system. In these cases, shortened breath, hyperventilation, difficulty swallowing, or a sense of choking can occur.

  • Panic disorder can also affect the gastrointestinal system, presenting as an upset stomach, IBS, or even colon disease.

  • Vestibular symptoms include dizziness or vertigo.

Oftentimes, panic disorder will present as a combination of these physical symptoms.

Symptoms of Panic Disorder

Everyone’s experience with panic disorder and their ensuing panic attacks will be a little different. However, here are some common symptoms of panic disorder:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Increased heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Choking sensation
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Sweating
  • Hot flashes or chills
  • Nausea

Some less-obvious symptoms of panic disorder include emotional and behavioral symptoms like:

  • Obsessive thinking
  • Catastrophizing
  • Suspicion
  • Low trust
  • Insecure attachment
  • Passivity
  • Avoidant behavior
  • Persistent worry
  • Fear of losing control
  • Feelings of detachment

While panic disorder can present in many different ways, the important thing is that it’s treatable. With a combination of therapy and medication if necessary, most panic disorder symptoms can be mitigated.

What Type Of Therapy Is Used To Treat Panic Disorder?

Various therapeutic approaches can be effective in treating panic disorder, and approaches are oftentimes tailored to the individual’s specific triggers and needs. Here are some of the most common types of therapy to treat panic disorder and panic attacks:

Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT)

PIT, short for Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy, is a therapeutic approach that integrates psychodynamic principles with a heavy focus on interpersonal relationships. By focusing on the interplay between emotions, relationships, and panic symptoms, individuals can work toward improved emotional well-being and long-term recovery. In PIT sessions, patients might work on identifying, then obtaining the qualities needed for a supportive relationship. They might focus on shifting the way they interpret other people’s thoughts and behaviors. They may also focus on learning effective ways to convey needs or negotiate demands from others. By fostering understanding, PIT can be an effective way to manage triggers that cause panic attacks.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Originally developed for treating borderline personality disorder, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, is now a popular approach to treating panic disorder. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, like acceptance. DBT techniques can help an individual manage intense emotions, build distress tolerance, enhance social skills, and improve coping mechanisms essential for preventing and mitigating future panic attacks.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly known as CBT, is one of the most effective treatments for panic disorder because of its ability to help individuals identify triggers and challenge core beliefs that may be leading to their fear or panic. Through exposure therapy with a trained therapist, individuals can gradually confront fears in a safe environment, which can reduce anxiety associated with those fears. CBT can also be useful for developing tools to manage stress and equips the individual with concrete strategies to deescalate a panic attack.

With the help of a licensed mental health professional, you’ll be able to determine which therapeutic approach and treatment plan is best suited for your specific needs so that you can manage your panic disorder effectively and regain balance and calm in your life.

Our Approach To Treating Panic Disorder

There’s no one-size fits all approach to treating panic disorder. At Marsh Psychotherapy, we approach treatment holistically. Together, we’ll work on bottom-up processes like issues stemming from early relationships, and top-down processes where we’ll address daily stress, triggers, and present-day coping skills to build better cognitive awareness and relationships.

We combine the use of PIT, DBT, and CBT to address various aspects of panic disorder. Our team of skilled therapists is equipped in helping individuals develop practical strategies to cope with stressful situations and manage interpersonal conflicts.

Getting Started

Taking the first step toward getting help for panic disorder can be both scary and empowering. Our therapists in Glendale, Queens are here to provide you with support, understanding, and the therapeutic tools necessary to help you mitigate your panic attacks and regain a sense of balance and peace in your life.

If you’re ready to get started, reach out to us to schedule a consultation.