Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-studied and validated psychotherapy treatment for panic disorder. The goal of treatment is to control panic attacks and prevent future attacks. Patients will learn how to control panic symptoms through both cognitive skills as well as behavioral techniques. They will learn to identify triggers for their panic attacks, correct misconceptions about panic symptoms, and evaluate fears that commonly occur during panic attacks, such as "I'm going to die," "I''m having a heart attack," or "Something really bad is happening." They will learn how to use behavioral techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing to cope with anxiety.
An important component of treatment is exposure exercises, which helps to overcome avoidance that is common in panic disorder. During exposure exercises, the patient learns to gradually enter situations that they have avoided due to fear of experiencing a panic attack. Exposure exercises are developed collaboratively, and are always conducted in a controlled, systematic way, and paced gradually from less fearful to more anxiety-provoking situations.
Over the course of treatment, patients will gain control of their life. Being able to face their panic attacks will help control recurrence of panic attacks and ultimately, improve anxiety and quality of life.
CBT treatment of panic disorder can generally be completed in 6-8 sessions, provided that there are no complicating factors, such as depression or substance use problems.