​What Causes Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder? CBT To Stop Panic Attacks

An Introduction

In the course of one's lifetime, most people experience at least one panic attack. While others suffer from panic attacks on a more regular basis, it is unclear as to why they do so. At least one month of chronic anxiety or recurrent panic attacks constitutes a case of panic disorder (or its symptoms).

Although the symptoms of a panic attack might be overwhelming and terrifying, they are treatable and can be eased. The most important step in lowering symptoms and enhancing the quality of life is receiving therapy. Here are the causes of panic attacks and panic disorder, as well as how cognitive behavioral therapy can help you stop them!

What Are The Causes Of Panic Disorder And Panic Attacks?

​

Panic attacks usually start suddenly and without notice. They can happen at any time, whether driving, asleep, in the mall, or in the middle of a business meeting. You may get panic episodes on occasion or on a regular basis.

The following are a few reasons causing panic attacks and panic disorder:

• Genetics
  
• Significant anxiety
  
• Temperament that is more susceptible to stress or unpleasant emotions
  
• Changes in the way some regions of your brain work
  

Panic attacks can strike quickly and without warning at first, but specific situations frequently cause them over time.

Risk Indicators

Panic disorder symptoms typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood and affect more women than males.

The following factors may raise the likelihood of acquiring panic disorder or panic attacks:

• Panic disorder or panic attacks run in families.
• Major life stressors, such as a close one's loss or critical sickness
  
• A traumatic experience, for instance, a sexual assault or a severe accident
  
• Vital changes in your life, such as the birth of a child, or a divorce
  
• Tobacco use or excessive caffeine consumption
  
• A history of physical or sexual abuse as a youngster
  

How Can CBT Stop Panic Attacks?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a standard and effective treatment for panic disorder. With CBT, you will learn how to better regulate your thoughts and feelings and their impact on your actions by helping you build skills to comprehend the better connection between your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

CBT provides anxiety and panic attack coping skills such as cognitive restructuring and refocusing, problem-solving, relaxation techniques, and skill training.

Individuals can learn breathing and relaxation techniques to help them cope with panic attacks through CBT. CBT can also assist patients in evaluating the causes of their attacks and learning how to reframe these situations such that they are less upsetting.

One of the most crucial aspects of CBT in treating any disease, including panic disorder, is that the individual must use the skills learned in treatment outside the therapeutic session to make maximum progress. In other words, the skills must be helpful in the "real world," and the individual must be able to use the abilities taught outside of therapy when necessary.

Conclusion

Panic disorder is frequently a chronic ailment that is difficult to treat. You may have panic disorder if you've had several panic attacks and have a chronic dread of them recurring.

Try to be aware of any anxiety symptoms that arise after a significant life event. Talk to your primary care physician or a mental health specialist if you are concerned about something you witnessed or were exposed to.

Panic disorder is treatable and manageable. There is assistance available, and you're not on your own.