Overcoming panic attacks is a critical quest of each person who suffers from this debilitating disorder. The sudden rapid heartbeat, difficult breathing, nausea, feelings of dread, even chest pains that resemble heart attacks...who would go through these terrifying episodes if they could prevent it? But the person sensing a panic attack coming on feels totally controlled by an unseen malevolent power.
Some therapies focus on conceptually recognizing that one's fears are irrational, in a left brain kind of way. Unfortunately, tied to this approach is the value judgment that the person suffering is weak and is just not putting forth the needed effort to control their thought processes or emotions. Some very misguided therapists will even try to convince the sufferer that his or her symptoms aren't even real!
