Panic Disorder

Almost all of us will experience anxiety at some point in our life triggered by exam results, unexpected news, role transitions and so forth. However for some people anxiety can be severe and long lasting. Panic disorder is usually diagnosed when a person feels anxious and has physical symptoms of anxiety.

Symptoms

• A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which at least 4 of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes:
  • Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
  • Feeling of choking
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Nausea or abdominal discomfort
  • Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint
  • Derealisation or depersonalisation
  • Fear or losing control or going crazy
  • Fear of dying
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Chills or hot flushes
  • Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
• At least one of the attacks has been followed by 1 month (or more) of one or both of the following symtpoms:
  • Persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences
  • Significant behaviour changes related to the panic attacks

Best Evidence-Based Treatments

The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE) recommend the following psychological therapies for the highest success rate in treating panic disorders.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physiological sensations. The cognitive facet assumes that the meaning one gives to the panic attack is important and if you can change the unhelpful interpretation or perception you can change the feeling (anxiety) associated with it. The behavioural facet assumes changing what you do is often a powerful way of testing your beliefs about the panic attack, which can improve affect and reduce the uncomfortable physical sensations.

Pharmacological:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) have been recommended by NICE as effective for the treatment of panic disorder.

Elite Psychology comprises of an expert team, specialising in the range of best private evidence-based treatments for panic disorders. Our highly qualified associates are accredited in the most successful therapies, complimented by psychiatrists who can prescribe medication on private prescriptions. We can assess you and provide the most efficacious therapy tailored to your difficulties. We know the importance of being understood and endeavour to deliver the highest standard of psychological interventions to meet your needs.

Call us on 020 3815 7935 for further information or to book an assessment. Alternatively you can complete the online contact form.