Panic Disorder Treatment
Panic Disorder Treatment in Tampa and the Surrounding Bay Area
Have you ever experienced a sudden wave of intense fear along with alarming physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, shortness of breath, or chest pain? Maybe you’ve had the thought, “I think I may be dying.” You might have even rushed to the emergency room or called your doctor to be sure everything was okay. This goes beyond typical daily anxiety—
This is known as a panic attack.
If you’ve found yourself worrying about having another one, you may be dealing with panic disorder. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, panic disorder affects around 6 million adults in the U.S. and is twice as common in women. The good news is that panic disorder treatment in Tampa is available and effective. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are both proven to help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
You’re not alone—this is actually very common. Fear of dying is frequently reported, as panic attacks are often accompanied by distressing physical symptoms. Panic disorder can seriously interfere with everyday life, with one of its key features being the ongoing fear of experiencing another attack. This can lead to avoiding certain places or people, overanalyzing normal physical sensations like a racing heart or sweating, and repeatedly seeking reassurance from medical professionals.
About Panic Disorder
When someone has panic disorder, they’ve experienced panic attacks and live with the ongoing fear of having another. Sometimes, you can sense one coming; other times, it strikes without warning.
Expected panic attacks happen when there’s a clear trigger, such as a phobia, location, or specific situation. For instance, a person might have a panic attack while riding an elevator or before public speaking.
Unexpected panic attacks occur without any known cause or warning. They can strike at any time, even during sleep or right after waking up, leaving the individual wondering what caused it.
Have You Ever Had a Panic Attack So Bad You Thought You Might Die? – Panic Disorder Treatment in Tampa
What’s the Difference?
Panic Attack
A panic attack is a sudden and intense wave of fear that brings on uncomfortable physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, sweating, or shortness of breath. These attacks often come with fears of dying, having a heart attack, or losing control. About one-third of adults in the U.S. will experience at least one panic attack during their lifetime.
Anxiety Attack
The term “anxiety attack” is commonly used but is not officially recognized in clinical diagnosis. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety builds more gradually and is rooted in worry or anticipation. Still, panic attacks can trigger lingering anxiety afterward.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves repeated, unexpected panic attacks along with a persistent fear of having more. It often leads to changes in behavior, including avoidance of activities or places where previous attacks occurred, in an effort to prevent future episodes.
Overcome Panic with a Panic Disorder Therapist in Tampa
Panic disorder is most effectively treated with a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). CBT helps individuals build awareness and challenge the irrational nature of their fears. ERP is a core part of treatment, as it targets the avoidance behaviors that maintain anxiety. A panic disorder therapist in Tampa may use several types of exposure, including in vivo (real-world), imaginal, interoceptive (body-based), or Virtual Reality Exposure Treatment (VRET), depending on the triggers involved. The primary goal is to build tolerance to the unpredictability of panic attacks while decreasing avoidance of situations that interfere with daily life.
Begin Treatment for Panic Disorder with the Anxiety Center of Tampa
At Anxiety Center of Tampa, our therapists are specifically trained to provide ERP for panic disorder. Treatment starts with a collaborative intake session, during which panic triggers will be identified. Together, you and your panic disorder therapist in Tampa will create an exposure hierarchy—using imaginal, in vivo, or interoceptive strategies—to help you face triggers in a structured, manageable way. For clients who struggle with specific fears that contribute to panic attacks, we also offer Virtual Reality Exposure Treatment (VRET).
Call Anxiety Center of Tampa today at 813-773-5807 to learn more or to schedule your intake appointment. You can also contact us through the form on our website.