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    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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    • Panic Disorder
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OCD & Anxiety Specialists of Dallas - Kim Rockwell-Evans, PhD

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden rush of intense fear that is accompanied by strong physical sensations including:

  • Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Shakiness or trembling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling smothered
  • Choking sensation
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Nausea or abdominal distress
  • Dizziness
  • Chills or heat sensations
  • Numbness or tingling sensations
  • Feelings of unreality
  • Feeling detached from yourself
  • Fear of going crazy
  • Fear of dying

Individuals often think they are having a heart attack or a life threatening illness. People who experience repeated panic attacks often want to avoid the situation or location where the initial panic attack occurred. Individuals with panic disorder experience anxiety about the possibility of having another attack.

Treatment

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the primary treatment for panic disorder. We will tailor an exposure plan to help you approach situations that trigger you. Interoceptive exposure, where uncomfortable bodily sensations are induced on purpose, allows you to practice relating to discomfort in a different way. Interoceptive exposure helps individuals learn more helpful ways to respond to bodily sensations. Individuals with panic disorder experience anxiety in anticipation of approaching situations that might trigger a panic attack. Acceptance and commitment therapy will augment your exposure therapy to help you be present now, relate to your anxiety in a different way, and do what matters.

You will define the pace at which we will work on exposure tasks. ERP tasks will be practiced in the office so that you are coached through it. Practice between sessions is crucial to see good results.   We may also take “Field trips” to complete ERP outside the office to wherever you experience triggers, including school, work, or public places.

Helpful Treatment Augmentations

Family therapy is often useful so that your family members have a plan to support you in ways that will help you reach your goals. We will address problematic behaviors that affect your relationships and interfere with your progress. Together, we will find alternative strategies that can help you.

Compassion focused therapy is useful for clients who feel guilty, are self-critical and lack self-compassion.

Medication can be a helpful addition to your therapy. If you are not currently taking medication for your anxiety, and we determine that it may be useful, a referral to a physician will be provided.

Resources

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America
  • National Institute of Mental Health
  • Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

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OCD and Anxiety Specialists of Dallas can help you realize your goals and learn skills to cope with your OCD and anxiety.

Call us at (214) 368-6999 or complete the contact form to schedule your first appointment.

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Practice News

  • Now offering on-line therapy to Texas residents

    As rates of anxiety and depression have skyrocketed, the expertise of Dr. Kim Rockwell-Evans is often sought by patients around the state. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Rockwell-Evans will now be offering on-line therapy to residents of Texas via a secure and confidential (HIPAA compliant) video platform. Proper treatment for anxiety disorders, including …Read More »
  • Welcome

    Welcome to our new website.Read More »

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Kim Rockwell-Evans, PhD
OCD & Anxiety Specialists of Dallas
375 Municipal Drive, #230
Richardson, TX 75080
(214) 368-6999

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