Panic Disorder 

Panic disorder is a specific type of anxiety disorder whereby the individual suffering will experience reoccurring panic attacks. A panic attack is characterised by a sudden sensation of intense fear where the individual often reports heart palpitations, sweating, difficulties breathing and interpreting this as a sign that something awful is going to happen.  Panic attacks can last anything between 5 and 20 minutes and can occur anywhere between a few occasions a month right up to many times a day, depending on the severity of the disorder.

Who is impacted and why?

The  usual cohort for a Panic Disorder  are those between adolescent and mid-thirties, however  the disorder can begin at any age and is usually  triggered by a transitioning event such as getting married or the severe stress  of the loss of a loved one.

Treatment for Panic Disorder 

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy is one of the most beneficial treatments for Panic Disorder, as it can help sufferers to develop individual ways to manage their symptoms, reducing both the intensity and also the frequency of the panic attacks. Psychotherapy also enables clients to develop coping strategies to challenge the way they interpret their symptoms, allowing them to utilise these strategies to manage anxiety and decision making in other areas of their life.