Panic disorder therapist
Panic attacks don't kill you. Panic disorder treats in 8-12 CBT-with-exposure sessions.
Therapists specializing in panic disorder. See which cities we cover and what a session costs.
Where to find panic disorder therapists
Frequently asked
How do I tell a panic attack from a heart attack?
A panic attack peaks in 5-10 minutes, then subsides. A heart attack brings pain radiating into the arm or jaw, cold sweats, and lasts beyond 15 minutes. On a first attack, go to emergency care — getting the diagnosis right is critical. On later ones, if you know the pattern, 4-7-8 breathing and cold water on the face stop the wave.
Will I have attacks for the rest of my life?
No. Panic disorder treated with CBT plus exposure has a 70% remission rate after 12 sessions (Sánchez-Meca et al., 2010). Most patients stop having spontaneous attacks after treatment.
Is medication necessary for panic?
For severe forms or where agoraphobia is present, yes — SSRIs are first line. For mild to moderate forms, CBT alone is enough. Benzodiazepines are reserved for acute crisis, not for ongoing treatment, because of the dependence risk.
How do I help myself in the middle of an attack?
4-7-8 breathing — in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, out for 8 — activates the vagus nerve. Or cold water on the face, which triggers the diving reflex. Or 2-3 minutes of intense physical exercise, which metabolises the adrenaline.
Why did panic start now?
Often after a period of chronic stress that sensitised the amygdala. Genetics, lack of sleep, excess caffeine and major life changes all contribute. The specific cause matters less than the intervention.