Panic Disorder Treatment in San Jose & Santa Cruz

What Are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, but for some people can seem to last a long time. The abrupt surge can occur from a calm state or an anxious state. Panic attacks include at least four of these symptoms:

One or more of the attacks has been followed by a month of either or both: persistent concern about additional panic attacks or their consequences, or significant changes in behavior related to fear of having panic attacks — such as avoiding exercise, certain foods, or unfamiliar situations.

What Are the Causes of Panic Disorder?

There is no one clear cause of Panic Disorder. However, most people report identifiable stressors in the months before their first panic attack, including relationship problems, work stress, overwhelming time commitments, health issues, death in the family, negative reactions to drugs or alcohol, lack of sleep, poor diet, or excessive caffeine use.

Underlying risk factors include a history of smoking, asthma or other respiratory problems, as well as negative childhood experiences like physical or sexual abuse, separation anxiety, and a history of "fearful spells" less intense than panic attacks. Proneness to negative emotions and sensitivity to anxiety can also contribute — it's believed multiple genes confer vulnerability to panic disorder, with increased risk among offspring of parents with anxiety, depressive, or bipolar disorders.

How Panic Disorder Treatment Can Help You

Anxiety Treatment Services provides integrative and comprehensive therapy for panic disorder including individual therapy, group support and behavioral fieldwork. Modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Meditation/Mindfulness.