What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder often grows when normal body sensations become feared and avoided. Treatment teaches patients how to face those sensations directly and reclaim places or activities panic has taken over.
Common signs and symptoms
- Sudden panic attacks with racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
- Fear of fainting, losing control, dying, or being trapped
- Avoidance of driving, stores, crowds, elevators, exercise, or being alone
- Repeated medical reassurance seeking
- Lifestyle restrictions built around preventing panic
How Westwood Institute treats it
- Interoceptive exposure to feared body sensations
- Situational exposure for avoided places
- CBT for catastrophic interpretations of panic
- Skills for reducing safety behaviors
- Stepwise planning for agoraphobia recovery