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OCD Center of L.A.
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In order to fully describe Panic Disorder, it is first necessary to define panic attacks. A panic attack is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) published by the American Psychiatric Association as "a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort", including four or more of the following symptoms:
While some may not consider Panic Disorder to be a true OC Spectrum Disorder, these three symptoms indicate that the condition has obsessive-compulsive qualities that are quite similar to OCD. In fact, recent studies indicate that approximately 6% of those with OCD also have Panic Disorder. Both Panic Disorder and OCD are categorized as anxiety disorders in the DSM-IV, and both involve intense, irrational fears. Furthermore, an individual with Panic Disorder can be extremely obsessive about having more panic attacks, as well as compulsively avoidant of situations in which he or she fears a panic attack may occur. In extreme cases, this avoidant behavior may evolve into Agoraphobia, in which the individual markedly restricts daily activities in an effort to prevent exposure to situations that he or she fears may result in the onset of a panic attack. Agoraphobia may become so severe that the individual never leaves his or her home.
As these symptoms demonstrate, Panic Disorder, like OCD, can cause significant emotional distress. Both conditions may greatly impair academic and professional functioning, and can have a profoundly negative impact on interpersonal relationships. Perhaps the most significant similarity linking Panic Disorder and OCD is the cyclical process by which the symptoms of both increase. To learn more about this process, click here.
Because of these many similarities, some of the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods that are so effective in treating OCD are also employed in the treatment of Panic Disorder. The initial treatment for Panic Disorder includes a type of Cognitive Therapy called "Cognitive Restructuring", and a type of Behavioral Therapy called "Interoceptive Exposure". After the client has attained some gains with this approach, he or she graduates to using a variant of the Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) techniques used in treating OCD. To learn more about Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of Panic Disorder, click here.
As part of our treatment program, the OCD Center of Los Angeles offers the option of home visits for our clients with Panic Disorder who have difficulty leaving their residence. We also provide clients the opportunity to have therapy sessions in the field to address panic-related fear of driving or flying, or the fear of public places, such as markets, stores, malls, movie theaters, and stadium events.
In addition to individual therapy for Panic Disorder, we also offer five weekly, low-fee, therapy/support groups for people with OCD, Panic Disorder, and related conditions. These groups are lead by our staff therapists, and use the same treatment protocol as our individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy program. For more information on our groups for individuals with Panic Disorder, OCD, and related conditions, click here.
If you are experiencing any of the above Panic Disorder symptoms, and would like to discuss individual or group therapy for the treatment of Panic Disorder at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, you can call us at (310) 335-5443, or click here to email us. If you live outside Southern California, we recommend that you contact a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist in your local area.PANIC DISORDER - SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
The primary feature of Panic Disorder is a history of panic attacks, as defined above, followed by one or more of the following symptoms:
Please note that the above is not meant to replace a complete and thorough evaluation by a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist or other qualified mental health professional. As with OCD, some individuals with Panic Disorder may benefit from medication, and may therefore require a psychiatric evaluation. Likewise, a psychiatric assessment may be necessary to differentiate between Panic Disorder and other psychological conditions. If a psychiatric evaluation is indicated, the OCD Center of Los Angeles can refer you to a qualified psychiatrist in our area. Furthermore, it is imperative to make the distinction between Panic Disorder and other medical conditions. For this reason, a medical examination may be necessary.
