Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective first-line treatment
option f
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective first-line treatment
option for individuals experiencing panic disorder. CBT is a type of
psychotherapy utilized to help individuals identify and change negative
thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on modifying individuals’
thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to improve their overall emotional
well-being (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG),
2022). CBT can also be used in conjunction with medication if therapy
alone is not successful. According to Reddy et al. (2020),
psychoeducation, interoceptive exposure, cognitive restructuring, and in
vivo exposure to the stimuli that are feared are the critical
components of CBT for panic disorder. Psychoeducation is essential for
our patients to have a clear understanding of their panic disorder.
Understanding their disorder can help alleviate fear and anxiety.
Interoceptive exposure induces psychical sensations in a controlled
environment that are associated with the identified triggers of the
patient’s panic attacks. Repeatedly experiencing these sensations and
learning that they are not harmful reduces the fear, anxiety, and
avoidance of situations associated with them (Psychology Tools,
2023).Cognitive restructuring aims to change the patient’s beliefs and
thoughts about the feelings and the perceived danger (Crum, 2021). In
vivo exposure entails having the patient directly face the fears that
cause their panic attacks (Reddy et al., 2020). These specific CBT
techniques encourage individuals to develop healthy, effective coping
mechanisms that will hopefully alleviate their anxiety, fear, terror,
and avoidance. Collaboration with the patient to find techniques that
work best for them in managing their panic disorder is essential.
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