Interoceptive Exposures for Those with Panic Disorder

Have you ever had a panic attack? If you have, you know how frightening and debilitating they can be. Some common symptoms include a pounding heart, sweating, trembling, and chest pain. Many people report feeling as if they are dying. These attacks can occur as a result of anxiety, but sometimes there is no obvious trigger. They seem to appear out of nowhere.
Those who suffer from panic disorder fear the recurrence of these panic attacks. They know how awful these attacks feel and understandably want to avoid them whenever possible. Unfortunately, this avoidance (which is common in many anxiety disorders) only makes things worse in the long run. For example, someone who has had a panic attack when driving might be so fearful of a recurrence that he or she gives up driving altogether. Another person might have panic attacks in social situations, so becomes a recluse in the hopes of avoiding these attacks. It’s easy to see how a person’s world can become very small very quickly. To most of us, it is obvious this is not the best path to follow.
Thankfully, panic disorder is treatable. Psychotherapy, including education and relaxation techniques, can help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another important tool and can help people with panic disorder recognize and modify actions and reactions that are hindering their recovery. Just being made aware of what is actually happening to them and the best ways to react can go a long way.
One technique that is sometimes used in...

Source: Psych Central - February 25, 2017 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Janet Singer Tags: Anxiety Cognitive-Behavioral Panic Disorder Psychotherapy Treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interoceptive Exposure Panic Attack Source Type: news