Panic attack disorder therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to help individuals suffering from recurrent and debilitating panic attacks. During therapy sessions, individuals work closely with trained Thriveworks Amherst therapists to identify and understand the triggers and thought patterns that contribute to their panic attacks. Through panic attack disorder therapy, individuals learn to manage their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and regain control over their lives, ultimately leading to a reduction in the severity of panic attacks.
Panic attack disorder therapy often utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques like exposure therapy and relaxation exercises to help individuals manage and mitigate panic attacks. These methods involve desensitizing triggers, reducing physical and emotional symptoms, and challenging irrational thought patterns to empower individuals to recognize, control, and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
Many people who experience excessive stress and feel like they are overwhelmed also experience several signs and symptoms of panic attacks. These symptoms include:
- Uncontrollable trembling
- Numbness or tingling in various body parts
- Heavy breathing and/or hyperventilation
- Blurry, flashing or tunnel vision
- Lack of body coordination
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling faint
- Nausea
- A tightness in the chest
- Heart palpitations
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, the counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Amherst can help. You can set up an appointment by calling 413-634-4805.
Prevalence of Panic Attacks
Numerous studies have documented the prevalence of panic disorders. It is reported that a panic disorder is a lifelong condition experience by 2% to 6% of Americans. Similar studies have estimated that 3% of Europeans experience panic attacks, many of whom have at least one panic attack per year. While they tend to be more commonly reported among women, panic attacks afflict men as well. Of those suffering from panic disorders, 45% have been classified as “severe.” Panic attacks can often be symptoms of another mental health condition or are also diagnosed with other mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What Can Cause a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks can occur at any age; however, the majority of people with panic disorder experience their first panic attack in early adulthood. And though people of all educational levels experience panic attacks, they are more likely to occur to people with above average intelligence. There are other factors influencing the frequency and severity of panic disorder including:
- Chronic fears and phobias
- A hyper-awareness of possible environmental hazards;
- Grieving and bereavement
- Medical conditions and diseases
- Environmental triggers associated with traumas
- Significant and sudden life changes
- A build-up of stress over an extended period of time
- Excessive use of drugs;
These conditions can exist in a father working multiple jobs trying to provide for his family or a young college student striving to make the dean’s list. A recent divorce or the loss of a job could be the source of panic related symptoms. Also having experienced a traumatic event such as a car accident or sexual molestation can trigger symptoms of a panic disorder.
People who have experienced a panic attack know the negative impact that they can have on one’s life. The person suffering from panic attacks may find themselves avoiding certain situations or places because of fear that they may trigger a panic attack. They can also become confused, disoriented and then embarrassed. If not treated, these feelings can intensify increasing the likelihood that a panic attack may recur.
Often, people experiencing symptoms of panic attacks visit the emergency room at a local hospital because of fear that they are suffering from an acute medical condition. However, they are often told that their symptoms are stress related and referred to a behavioral health professional such as those at Thriveworks-Amherst.
Scheduling an Appointment
All clinicians at Thriveworks Amherst are carefully selected for their high level of training and experience treating various conditions such as depression, anxiety, as well as panic disorders. The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Amherst are caring and compassionate professionals who have been helping individuals suffering from panic attacks for years. As a result, the person with a panic disorder learns to manage their anxiety and work to prevent panic attacks. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Amherst understand what the person experiencing panic attacks is going through and how helpless they can feel. But they are willing to help and are competent in their therapeutic skills.
So, if you or a loved one is suffering from panic attacks or a panic disorder, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks Amherst. Appointments are often available within 24 hours for new clients and there never is a waiting list. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Amherst also accept most major health insurance. So, call Thriveworks Amherst at 413-634-4805 today and take the first step to end the suffering.
