“What type of therapy is effective for panic attacks?”
I have panic attacks. What type of therapy is effective for panic attacks?
8 Answers
CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy. Also, desensitization therapy depending on what's causing the panic. Patterned breathing such as box breathing and meditation is primary to bring down the heart rate to control the body first. In a panic attack, one can do addition, multiplication, count tiles, etc. Panic is emotional and the examples are problem solving, so 2 different parts of the brain. Use breathing with a simple problem solving task to self-manage the emotions. If after working with a therapist over some time and practicing all the things is not working, as the therapist about consulting with a psychiatrist.
Hi, Thank you for your question. There are many different therapies that are effective for panic attacks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Panic reduction techniques include deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, mindfulness meditation, practicing positive mantras or positive self-talk, guided imagery and visualization, and journaling or stream of consciousness writing. I would recommend you seek services from a mental health professional to help with panic attacks. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health
Alexandrea Maratea
Counselor/Therapist | Mental Health
CBT therapy is effective.
Cognitive behavior therapy is effective as well Applied Relaxation. With the latter, first we figure out what situations trigger the panic and then we can start identifying cues to become aware of that happen before the panic happens. The next step would be to learn a technique called progressive muscle relaxation. With practice, the relaxation happens quicker. The last step is to learn how to relax while the panic cues are happening.
It’s not uncommon for people to say that panic attacks happen seemingly “out of the blue” because it seems to be that way until we learn and practice what I’m describing.
It’s not uncommon for people to say that panic attacks happen seemingly “out of the blue” because it seems to be that way until we learn and practice what I’m describing.
My recommendation would be talk therapy. Panic attacks are usually a bi-product of anxiety. Treat (learn to manage) the issue and the symptoms will subside.
DBT helps with using mindfulness techniques to reset the anxiety, and distress tolerance provides skills to widen the response to anxious situations and to learn to accept things that you are not in control of.
Talk therapy is an effective first-choice treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder.
See this link...https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376027#:~:text=treating%20panic%20disorders.-,Psychotherapy,how%20to%20cope%20with%20them.
and
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/therapy-for-anxiety-disorders.htm#:~:text=Cognitive%20behavioral%20therapy%20(CBT)%20is,disorder%2C%20among%20many%20other%20conditions.
and
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/therapy-for-anxiety-disorders.htm#:~:text=Cognitive%20behavioral%20therapy%20(CBT)%20is,disorder%2C%20among%20many%20other%20conditions.
