Cognitive behavioral therapy has garnered the strongest empirical evidence as a successful treatment for panic attacks. The goal of the therapy is to get people to identify and understand their fears, and then to change their way of thinking and acting by recognizing the irrationality of the fear.
During cognitive behavioral therapy, a person is encouraged to confront their fears and face the situations they are intent on avoiding. Patients may begin to see relief within as little 10 to 15 weekly sessions. For others it may take 30, 50 or even more. Successful treatment often depends on a patient’s willingness to practice the techniques in between therapy sessions.
