Anxiety Panic Attacks Panic Disorder

Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder – Part 5/6 How medical treatment or counselling/psychotherapy can help panic attacks and panic disorder

Sherry-Lee Smith Child, Adolescent, Adult, Psychologist. Perth, WA

How medical treatment or counselling/psychotherapy can help

Both medical treatment and counselling/psychotherapy can be helpful in the treatment panic attacks and panic disorder. It is recommended that both medical and psychological treatment is sort. It is important to have a medical check up to ensure that the symptoms you are experiencing are not related to a medical condition.

Once medical conditions have been ruled out, medication may be helpful in the treatment of panic attacks and panic disorder. These include anti-depressants such as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors SRI’s (Prozac or Luvox), tricyclic antidepressants (ie Tofranil or Anafranil) or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax). If you are considering medication for panic attacks or panic disorder you should discuss this with a medical professional such as a general practitioner (GP) or psychiatrist.

Psychological treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder may focus on the following;

  • Psychoeducation about anxiety, panic attacks and panic disorder
  • Changing unhelpful behaviour patterns
  • Changing unhelpful thinking patterns
  • Exposure to physical sensations related to panic
  • Normalising thoughts related to the physical sensations of anxiety and panic
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Relaxation strategies
  • Breathing strategies
  • Mindfulness skills
  • Thought stopping and distraction techniques
  • Addressing avoidance and ‘safety’ behaviour
  • Exploring the psychological significance of panic and unconscious conflicts and addressing interpersonal issues related to panic (such as unconscious anger towards loved ones, fearful dependency, ambivalent attachment patterns, ambivalent feelings about autonomy, fear of loss or abandonment)
  • Encouraging emotional experience and expression
  • Developing exercise routines
  • Relapse prevention

If you are experiencing any difficulties with anxiety, panic attacks or other mental health issues and would like help please contact Sherry-Lee Smith on 042 135 1020 or smith.sherrylee@gmail.com

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Mt Lawley Counselling Centre

13 Alvan St

Mt Lawley, Perth Western Australia 6050

Sherry-Lee Smith

Registered Psychologist

Published by Sherry-Lee Smith Child, Adolescent, Adult, Psychologist. Perth, WA

Sherry-Lee Smith MAPS MAAP EMDRAA ISST CEDC Psychologist BA (Psych) Hons Registered; Perth Western Australia Sherry is a registered psychologist with 10 years experience working with adults, adolescents, and children. Sherry aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to increase their self-awareness and develop towards their full potential. Issues addressed include; depression and other mood disorders anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety etc.) stress self-harm suicidal ideation self-esteem personal growth anger management drug and alcohol use grief and loss relationship difficulties and separation adolescent issues young adult issues eating disorders insomnia body image issues family of origin issues Sherry uses an integrated therapeutic approach to counselling and psychotherapy tailoring the intervention to meet the unique needs of the client. Approaches may include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic approaches, Expressive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Sherry has experience working at an adolescent mental health services with adolescents and their families experiencing depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation. She has co-ordinated a drug and alcohol service for adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties related to their own or another’s drug and alcohol use and co-occurring mental health issues. Sherry has worked counselling children and adolescents who have experienced parental separation and family conflict. She has experience running groups related to drug and alcohol use, parenting, grief and loss, family and relationships, bullying and friendships, self-esteem, and parental separation. Sherry is fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). She is also an member of the Australian Psychological Society. Medicare rebates and private health fund rebates may apply. If you would like to book an appointment with Sherry or would like further information please contact her by phone or email. Phone: 042 135 1020 Email: smith.sherrylee@gmail.com Sherry-Lee Smith Mt Lawley Counselling Centre 13 Alvan Street Mt Lawley WA