Panic Disorder: understand panic attacks and the fear of the next one
Panic disorder involves repeated panic attacks and a growing fear of having more. Learning how panic works can help you understand what’s happening in your body and break the cycle of fear.
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What does the Panic Disorder Mini Course cover?
What panic disorder is, how the fight-or-flight response creates the sensations of a panic attack, the panic cycle and the fear of fear that keeps it going, why panic always passes, and how CBT, grounding and lifestyle changes help.
Who is this Panic Disorder Mini Course for?
Helpful if you:
💓 Have had panic attacks and fear the next one
🚪 Avoid places or situations in case panic strikes
🧠 Want to understand what your body is doing and why it is not dangerous
For therapists:
Assign this course as psychoeducation at the start of CBT for panic, before interoceptive exposure. The client's first-noticed sensations and grounding reminders give a starting point for building a panic formulation. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Dr Harriet Mellotte
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist, BABCP
“Offload is a fantastic resource for both clients and therapists. The world of CBT has been lacking an app which enables the sharing of CBT worksheets and homework tasks between clients and therapists, but Offload completely does this, making the service we offer more professional and the benefits to clients greater.”
Frequently asked questions
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that usually peaks within about ten minutes. Common sensations include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, tingling and feeling detached or unreal. Many people fear they are having a heart attack or losing control, but the body is responding to a false alarm.
Are panic attacks dangerous?
No. The sensations are caused by the body's fight or flight system, which is designed to protect you, and they always pass because the chemicals involved are broken down naturally. Panic feels dangerous but is not harmful. If you have chest pain or other symptoms you are unsure about, always check with a doctor.
Why do I keep having panic attacks?
After a first attack, people often start to fear the sensations themselves, watching for a racing heart or avoiding places where panic happened. This fear of fear keeps the cycle going. CBT breaks it by teaching how panic works, challenging catastrophic interpretations and gradually facing the feared sensations.
Can my therapist assign this course?
Yes. Therapists on Offload can assign this course as psychoeducation at the start of CBT for panic, before interoceptive exposure. Your answers on what you notice first and what grounds you help build your panic formulation. Your responses are available for them to review before your next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Are you a therapist?
Assign this therapy tool and 200+ other interactive tools directly to your clients. Build personalised care plans, customise tools, and review client responses before sessions. HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Explore Offload for therapistsReferences
Clark, D. M. (1986). A cognitive approach to panic. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 24(4), 461–470. Barlow, D. H. (2002). Anxiety and Its Disorders. Guilford Press. Craske, M. G., & Barlow, D. H. (2007). Panic disorder and agoraphobia. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 3, 161–188.
