Panic Disorder Treatment: Choosing the Right Approach
Panic Disorder — recurring, unexpected panic attacks with ongoing fear of future attacks — responds particularly well to a specific, structured form of CBT. Our team, led by Dr. Pavan Sonar — MBBS, DPM, DNB Psychiatry, helps patients across Mumbai and Maharashtra (including those affected by panic attacks on Mumbai’s local trains) regain freedom from panic, with 22+ years of experience and 50,000+ patients treated.
CBT for Panic, Medication, or Both?
Panic-Focused CBT — Usually the First Choice
Panic disorder responds to a specific CBT protocol that addresses the catastrophic misinterpretation of normal physical sensations (racing heart, breathlessness) that fuels the panic cycle. Interoceptive exposure — deliberately inducing mild versions of panic sensations in a controlled way — helps the brain learn these sensations aren’t dangerous. This approach alone resolves panic disorder for many patients without needing medication.
When Medication Is Added
For frequent, severe panic attacks that make it hard to engage with therapy initially, SSRIs can reduce baseline anxiety and attack frequency, making CBT more effective once started. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medication may be used very short-term for acute crisis management, but isn’t a long-term solution given dependence risk.
Addressing Avoidance & Agoraphobia
Many patients develop avoidance of places where panic attacks occurred — local trains, crowded spaces, being far from home. Treatment includes gradual, structured exposure to these avoided situations, which is often the key to fully restoring normal daily functioning, not just reducing attack frequency.
Recognising Panic Disorder
Sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms — racing heart, chest tightness, breathlessness, dizziness, trembling — peaking within minutes, followed by persistent worry about having another attack and avoidance of situations associated with past attacks.
Access Across Maharashtra
In-person at our Mumbai clinic locations (Borivali West, Malad West, Malad East, Andheri West) or via online video consultation for patients across Maharashtra. Panic-focused CBT translates well to video delivery, since much of the work involves structured exercises the patient practises between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need medication for panic attacks?
Not necessarily — panic-focused CBT alone resolves panic disorder for many patients. Medication is considered when attacks are frequent and severe enough to make starting therapy difficult.
How quickly does CBT for panic disorder work?
Many patients notice a reduction in attack frequency within the first few sessions, with a full structured programme typically running 10–15 sessions.
I’ve started avoiding trains/crowded places — is that treatable too?
Yes — this avoidance pattern (sometimes progressing to agoraphobia) is addressed directly through gradual exposure work as part of the same treatment programme, not as a separate issue.
Can panic disorder treatment be done online?
Yes, for most patients. Video-delivered CBT for panic disorder is well supported by evidence and convenient for practising exercises in real-world settings between sessions.
Book Your Panic Disorder Consultation
Proven techniques to stop panic attacks and restore the freedom to live and travel without fear.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 85918 40141
📧 Email: drpavansonar@gmail.com
Clinic Locations: Borivali West | Malad West | Andheri West | Malad East — and online across Maharashtra