Overcoming Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder?

People with Panic Disorder experience recurring and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is brief (~15 minute) period of intense fear, and is associated with several symptoms, such as: heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, feeling of choking, fear of losing control or "going crazy", chest pain, and dizziness.

What causes Panic Disorder?

After experiencing a panic attack, it is common for people to start worrying a lot about having future attacks. They might start to become hyperaware of their body sensations, such as whether their heart rate is beating faster than normal. Perhaps they might try to push down or distract themselves from these feelings. These reactions increase anxiety, and ultimately leads to a panic attack. 

How do we treat Panic Disorder?

Interoceptive Exposure (IE) is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that aims to treat Panic Disorder. Treatment involves reducing fear and avoidance of body sensations associated with panic attacks.

A key aspect of IE is the deliberate, gradual, and repeated exposure to panic symptoms in a safe environment, such as in the therapy room. The aim is to encourage learning that these physical sensations, whilst uncomfortable, are not dangerous and can be tolerated without needing to panic.

Examples of exposure tasks may include:

• Spinning in a chair quickly to experience dizziness

• Breathing through a straw to simulate shortness of breath

• Quickly run in a spot to increase heart rate.

Minimising Safety Behaviours

Throughout the process it will be encouraged to avoid using Safety Behaviours (e.g., breathing techniques, avoiding exercise, seeking medical attention, asking loved ones for help or reassurance) that might reinforce initial fears about panic sensations. Fully experiencing these sensations allows fear about panic to eventually subside. 

Authored by Jenny Tran, Psychologist. Jenny is a clinical psychology registrar who supports a diverse range of clients and presentations, including individuals overcoming Panic Disorder. Jenny currently has capacity for new clients and offers sessions on Monday to Friday afternoons and evenings.