Panic attacks and panic disorder can be very disabling conditions for people who suffer from them. It can also be an awful, emotionally debilitating experience with potentially long-term consequences if untreated. But panic attack counseling and panic disorder therapy at Thriveworks Counseling in Durham, NC can frequently provide much-needed help for those afflicted.
A panic episode usually begins abruptly, without warning, and peaks in about 10 minutes, but can last anywhere from a few minutes to a half-hour or longer. Panic attacks are characterized by:
- Rapid heartbeat or heart-pounding
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath or the feeling of smothering.
Other symptoms can include chills, hot flashes, nausea, cramps, chest pain, tightness in the throat, trouble swallowing, and dizziness. Panic disorder, on the other hand, develops if the following symptoms are present, according to the DSM 5:
- Repeated and unexpected panic attacks
- Constant worry or concern about the attacks and their implications
- Important and noticeable changes in behavior aimed at, for example, avoiding situations having to do with previous panic attacks
Significant consequences stemming from an untreated panic disorder can encompass withdrawing from social activities, persistent anxiety, and unstable relationships with friends and family, and other serious hindrances. Yet panic attacks and panic disorder are treatable. Counseling for panic attacks and panic disorder therapy can help ease the severity of symptoms and reduce the number of attacks occurring.
Our qualified counselors and therapists from our office in Durham can enable you to explore your feelings and emotions more deeply, understand the causes of your attacks or disorder and change the way you think about your condition. They can also teach you different applied skills and techniques, such as relaxation and rebreathing techniques that can help you cope with your condition. Also, your treatment will be tailored to fit your individual needs.
If your experiences resemble the previous description, you could do a lot for yourself by contacting our Durham office (giving us a call or writing us an e-mail) and getting in touch with our qualified counselors/therapists. We can always schedule a session or provide you with further information!
