Panic attacks treatment

Many people only have one or two panic attacks in their lifetime, and the problem usually disappears when a stressful situation ends. But if you have recurring, unexpected panic attacks and if you live long periods of time in constant fear of another attack, you may have a panic disorder.

If you suffer from a panic disorder, you have serious problems, that hinder the quality of your life. A panic disorder almost never disappears on its own and it is wise to seek professional help. Panic disorder is nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, this does happen regularly, causing people to wait a long time before seeking professional help. Often only when the daily problems they experience from their panic attacks have become much worse.

A panic disorder can be treated well. To begin with, we investigate what kind of panic attacks controls your life. Depending on this, we propose a treatment that consists of:

• finding the cause of the panic attacks,
• linking this panic attacks to possible events,
• reducing possible chronic overload.

We teach you how to recognize physical reactions. And how you can influence those reactions with breathing exercises and other exercises. Depending on your situation, we break through certain patterns, such as avoidance, drinking behavior, escape behavior, use of medicines or hard work.

The treatment reduces the panic attacks, physical problems, worries and improves sleep. Avoidance behavior also decreases.

Therapies for panic attacks

A psychologist can apply different forms of therapy during the conversations. The most commonly used therapy for panic attacks is cognitive behavioral therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing unhealthy thinking and behavioral patterns that maintain fear and panic attacks. You will learn how to break through and change these harmful patterns, so that you experience less panic. You will also learn to identify factors that contribute to your feelings of panic.

Cognitive behavioral therapy may also include exposure therapy, where you are gradually exposed to the object or situation that is causing your feelings of panic under the guidance of a psychologist. This builds confidence, allowing you to better control the situation and the symptoms of fear after a while.

If your panic disorder is caused by a traumatic event, the fear can also be treated well with EMDR therapy. During the treatment, you think back to the shocking event, while you follow the therapist’s finger with your eyes. The ‘working memory’ is burdened with this, so that the traumatic memory fades into the background and your feelings of panic diminish.

Breathing and relaxation exercises (body-oriented therapy) can also be used as support to learn to reduce your panic attacks.

It is possible that one form of therapy is used, but a combination of different types of therapy is also a good option. At the start of the treatment process, you discuss with your therapist which form of therapy is best for you and your symptoms, and what feels comfortable for you. In this way, the treatment is tailor-made, so that you feel seen, heard and helped by us.

Contact Psychologen Amsterdam

Do you recognize your symptoms and do you need help or do you just have a question about the treatment of your panic disorder? Then call for an appointment or send a message to Psychologen Amsterdam.