Having a panic attack does not necessarily mean that you have panic disorder. Panic attacks can occur in the context of a number of different difficulties, including anxiety.Panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks alongside ongoing concerns about having further attacks or significant changes in your behaviour as a result.Whatever your diagnosis or circumstances, therapy can focus on understanding your individual experience and the patterns that are keeping your anxiety going.

CBT can help reduce the frequency and impact of panic attacks for many people. An important part of treatment is also reducing the fear of panic itself and increasing your confidence in coping with the sensations when they occur.

Panic symptoms can feel very physical and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other causes of physical symptoms. If you have new, severe or unexplained physical symptoms, it is important to seek appropriate medical advice.Once physical causes have been appropriately considered, CBT can help you understand how anxiety and the interpretation of physical sensations may contribute to your experience.

Some CBT approaches for panic can involve exercises designed to help you become less fearful of particular physical sensations. If these are appropriate, they would be discussed and introduced with joint agreement and at a suitable pace.

It is common for people who experience panic attacks to begin avoiding situations where they are worried about having another attack. You might avoid:Public transport or drivingShops or busy placesExerciseBeing far from homeBeing aloneQueues or enclosed spacesSocial situationsTravellingPlaces where you feel it would be difficult to leave quickly Avoidance can provide immediate relief, but it can also make these situations feel increasingly threatening over time.​CBT can help you gradually approach situations that have become difficult, where this is appropriate, at a pace that allows you to build confidence in your ability to cope.

Yes. Panic attacks can occur alongside other difficulties, including general anxiety, health anxiety and social anxiety. Therapy can focus on the specific patterns contributing to your panic regardless of whether you meet criteria for panic disorder.