What is Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills or heat sensations, numbness or tingling sensations, and a fear of losing control or dying.

Panic disorder involves the persistent worry about having future panic attacks and the consequences of those attacks, such as embarrassment or losing control. These worries can lead to significant changes in behavior, such as avoiding certain places or situations where panic attacks have occurred in the past.

Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks

Sudden Intense Fear:

A sudden and overwhelming sense of fear or impending doom.

Rapid Heartbeat:

Palpitations or a pounding heart.

Shortness of Breath:

Difficulty breathing or feeling like you're choking.

Chest Pain:

Chest discomfort or pain.

Sweating:

Profuse sweating, even in cool environments.

Trembling:

Shaking or trembling of the body.

Dizziness:

Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or faint.

Diagnosing panic disorder:

Diagnosing panic disorder involves a comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals. It includes a clinical interview to understand symptoms and medical history, a physical exam to rule out other conditions, and evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria. Screening tools may be used, and differential diagnosis ensures accuracy. Ultimately, diagnosis is made collaboratively, considering all gathered information.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is a primary treatment for panic disorder. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to panic attacks. Techniques such as exposure therapy, where individuals gradually confront feared situations, and cognitive restructuring, where they learn to reframe anxious thoughts, are commonly employed.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):

IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, which can help reduce stress and interpersonal conflicts that may contribute to panic disorder symptoms.

Relaxation Techniques:

Psychologists often teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to help individuals manage anxiety and reduce the physiological arousal associated with panic attacks.

Lifestyle Changes:

Psychologists may also encourage lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques to support overall well-being and reduce anxiety symptoms.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy:

Mindfulness techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and body scanning, can help individuals develop awareness of their thoughts and sensations in the present moment. This increased mindfulness can assist in managing distressing emotions and reducing reactivity to trauma triggers.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

DBT combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with concepts of mindfulness and acceptance. It emphasizes skills training in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT may be helpful for individuals with OCD who struggle with intense emotions and difficulty regulating their responses to stressors.

Yes, there are preventive measures and interventions that can reduce the likelihood of Panic Attacks after a traumatic event. These include early intervention strategies such as:

Psychological First Aid (PFA):

Providing immediate, practical support and compassionate care to individuals in the aftermath of a traumatic event can help mitigate the development of Panic symptoms.

Early Access to Mental Health Services:

Prompt access to mental health support and resources can facilitate coping and resilience-building strategies, reducing the risk of Panic Disorder.

Education and Training:

Educating individuals about common reactions to trauma and teaching coping skills and resilience-building techniques can empower them to better navigate the aftermath of traumatic events.

In the psychological well-being Islamabad, approach to diagnosing and treating Panic Disorder, the focus is on promoting resilience, coping skills, and overall mental wellness. Diagnosis involves assessing not just Panic Disorder symptoms but also factors like social support and strengths. Treatment integrates evidence-based therapies with interventions aimed at fostering positive emotions, personal growth, and adaptive coping. In an online counseling platform, this involves creating a supportive environment, providing psychoeducation, and tailoring treatment to enhance both Panic Disorder symptoms and overall mental well-being.

Read Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Mood Disorders

Eating Disorders

What Clients Say About Us

Male Client

Probably one of the best center in the town, i mean if you're considering good and reliable counseling services its worth visiting. Environment and staff is quite friendly i personally started to feel better in just a couple of sessions.

Female Client

Aslam o alikum! I was in tough years of my life and gone for therapy.Where I met Ma'm anum. She is such a kind soul who understands me and helped me alot to come out from my dark phase of life. Thank you so much Psychological health center and Ma'm Anum. ☺

Male Client

Miss Anum Khan was handling my case and I attended many sessions. She endured my laziness, never became rude or judgemental. At times I was not willing to leave the house but she encouraged me and with her help I am a better man now. I totally recommend this team to anyone who seeks help.!

Female Client

Wonderful staff! They are very professional and had a very good experience especially with Madam Anum who works very hard towards mental wellness of her clients. What i learned from my journey was that they are there to guide you but its you who is going to travel on the way towards wellness.!

Male Client

It was great experience with miss Anam Khan. She helped a lot in therapies. Appreciate it hard work.. thanks alot

Female Client

I had a great experience with Dr Anum .comfortable ambience and a very good listener indeed. Her counselling sessions are highly recommended 💕 …

Male client

Frequently Asked Questions

At Psychological Wellbeing Islamabad, we offer a range of therapy and counseling services to support your mental health needs. Our services include individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, trauma counseling, stress management, and more.

Psychological Wellbeing is based Online. We offer online therapy services for clients who prefer remote sessions or are located outside of Pakistan.

Scheduling an appointment with one of our therapists is easy. You can contact us via phone or Whatsapp at [ +923021900145] or email at info@thepsychwellbeing.com to book a session. We also offer online appointment scheduling through our website for your convenience.

Yes, we understand that not everyone can attend in-person sessions, which is why we offer online therapy services. Our secure and confidential virtual sessions allow you to receive therapy from the comfort of your own home, no matter where you're located.

Therapy sessions typically last around 50 minutes to one hour. However, the duration may vary depending on your specific needs and the type of therapy being provided.

During your first therapy session, your therapist will take the time to get to know you, understand your concerns, and discuss your therapy goals. You'll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and begin to explore ways to address your challenges and improve your mental health.

The number of therapy sessions needed varies depending on individual circumstances and treatment goals. Some clients may benefit from short-term therapy focused on addressing specific issues, while others may prefer long-term therapy for ongoing support and personal growth.

Yes, client confidentiality is of utmost importance to us. All information shared during therapy sessions is kept strictly confidential in accordance with ethical guidelines and professional standards. Your privacy and trust are our top priorities.

Yes, we understand that students often face financial constraints while prioritizing their mental health. Therefore, we offer a discounted rate for therapy sessions exclusively for students. Please provide a valid student ID or proof of enrollment to avail of this special rate. We believe that access to quality mental health care should be affordable and accessible to all, including students. If you have any questions about our student discount program or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us. We're here to support you on your journey towards psychological well-being.

Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks

What is Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks?

Contact Details

Sudden Intense Fear:

Rapid Heartbeat:

Shortness of Breath:

Chest Pain:

Sweating:

Trembling:

Dizziness:

Diagnosing panic disorder:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):

Relaxation Techniques:

Lifestyle Changes:

Mindfulness-Based Therapy:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

Psychological First Aid (PFA):

Early Access to Mental Health Services:

Education and Training:

Read Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Mood Disorders

Eating Disorders

Why Choose Us

Compassionate Support

Convenient Access to Psychologists

Confidential Counseling

What Clients Say About Us

Male Client

Female Client

Male Client

Female Client

Male Client

Female Client

Male client

Our Team

Ms. Mehak Fatima

Ms. Aqsa Ijaz

Mr. Atif Zia

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Recent Blogs:

Mind Over Matter: Cognitive Behavioral Techniques for Managing Anxiety

Mehak Fatima

The Power of Mindfulness Meditation for Mental Well-being

Aqsa Ijaz

Marital Conflict Resolution in Pakistan: Legal and Mediation Options for Couples

Atif Zia

Contact Us

Contact Details