Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder?

A panic attack is when you experience sudden episodes of extreme fear that reach a peak within minutes. It can feel as if it comes out of nowhere, with no clear trigger. When this becomes a recurring thing, this becomes a panic disorder.

Common Physical Symptoms

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Feeling faint or light-headed
• Feeling very cold or very hot
• Feeling detached from your mind or reality
• Fear of going out of control

Understanding Panic Disorder

Panic attacks can be alarming, but they are not life-threatening. It is your body’s natural response to stress, but in people with panic disorder, these responses become triggered and can lead to an endless cycle of fear and avoidance.

During a panic attack, your body goes into survival mode. This means your heart races, you might break out in a sweat, and you could feel shaky or dizzy. You may also experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or numbness. These physical symptoms can be very alarming, and it’s common to feel as if you’re losing control or about to have a heart attack.

Panic Disorder Treatment

We know it can be tough to reach out for help. But you don’t have to go through this alone. When you visit us, we’ll match you with a registered therapist who will quickly identify what’s causing your panic attacks and start working on a treatment plan.

At the CCT, we use cognitive therapy to help you understand why panic attacks happen and how to manage them. This can save you time and stress by reducing the need for frequent trips to the ER or doctor’s office.