Panic attacks and panic disorder can be extremely debilitating, causing those affected to live in fear of the next attack. However, there is hope—cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder. In this article, we'll take a look at what causes panic attacks and panic disorder, as well as how CBT can help to stop them.
Anxiety disorders like panic disorder are characterized by sporadic, unplanned panic attacks. A panic attack is a brief moment of extreme dread or discomfort that peaks quickly. During a panic attack, people may experience heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and/or other physical symptoms. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or in response to specific triggers, such as certain places or situations. People with panic disorder often worry about having another attack and may avoid places or situations where they have had previous attacks.
Many different factors can contribute to the development of panic attacks and panic disorder. In some cases, a specific event or trigger can be the catalyst for the start of panic attacks, such as a major stressful life event. For others, there may be no clear trigger, and the condition develops gradually.
Some of the most common risk factors for developing panic attacks and panic disorder include:
The consumption of certain substances, such as caffeine or alcohol, chronic stress, and poor sleep habits also turned out to be contributing factors.
CBT works by helping you change the way you think about your anxiety. We all have anxious thoughts from time to time, but if you're someone with panic disorder, these thoughts can become so persistent and overwhelming that they trigger a panic attack. CBT helps you to identify the thoughts that are triggering your anxiety and then work on changing them. It can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including panic disorder.
One of the most important things to remember is that you are in control of your thoughts, not the other way around. Just because you have an anxious thought does not mean that it's true or that it will lead to a panic attack. With CBT, you can learn to challenge your anxious thoughts and beliefs and ultimately stop panic attacks before they start.
Teletherapy can be used to deliver CBT. The majority of studies indicate that teletherapy can be just as successful as in-person therapy. Greater access to care, cheaper costs, higher happiness, more privacy, and improved public health are all advantages of receiving research-supported teletherapy from a certified therapist.
CBT via teletherapy is one of the many services offered by therapist-ny.com. Visit therapist-ny.com at least once if you're seeking a way to stop your panic attacks and get your life back on track.
Conclusion
CBT is a very effective treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder. With CBT, you will learn how to control your anxiety and manage your panic attacks.