CBT for Panic Disorder?

[Cú Chulainn]

Can Someone with past experience please tell me exactly what is involved in CBT?
how long you course lasted?
And did you see any improvement?
Thanks

[vaughanp99]

It involves changing the way your thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact. For example, if you think that leaving the house will lead to some sort of negative effect, you will feel anxious about the prospect of going out and so your behaviour will be to stay inside. Because by staying inside you are not challenging this irrational thought, the cycle becomes reinforced - CBT aims to break that cycle.

Your therapist will try to help you understand what triggers your panic symptoms and come up with strategies to deal with this. I found CBT very useful and one of the benefits is it can be completed in just 6 sessions.

[Jenwales]

I used a self-help book called no more panic
when i was having an attack it gave me the tools I needed to cope
I used to focus on my breathing and picture numbers in my head (breathe in visualise the number one then breathe it and it changes colour, do the same each number and breathe. ) you could just count your breaths and focus on making the out breath more
the way i understand CBT is that using exposure and getting you to experience the things your are avoiding you learn to live with and cope with the panic
once that fear goes away you will have less panic attacks

i didn't have any help of any kind so I can't tell you anything other than that self-help book got me over panic attacks
i jsut have general anxiety now and still gps dont bother offering me any help

[Cú Chulainn]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for responding mean a lot.
I'm six sessions in and I can honestly say I'm enjoying it.... Weirdly.
I really like my therapist too
I'm not sure it is having the desired effect but I realise its a gradual process.
Jen Hope you find some Help and you ever considered switching GP's