The Anxiety and Panic Disorder Center of Los Angeles offers specialized treatment for anxiety and panic disorder and agoraphobia in a safe and empathic environment.

The Anxiety and Panic Disorder Center of Los Angeles helps individuals suffering from anxiety and panic disorder through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Systematic Desensitization, both of these techniques have consistently shown to be the most effective treatments for anxiety and panic disorder. The Anxiety and Panic Disorder Center of Los Angeles also helps individuals acquire the tools they need to manage anxiety and panic and significantly reduce the severity of symptoms. Treatment is individually tailored to the needs of each client that may include weekly sessions with one of our therapists, telephone sessions and home visits.

If you wish to contact The Anxiety and Panic Disorder Center of Los Angeles for a consultation or to set up an appointment, we can be reached at: (310) 592-7799 or via e-mail at: director@panicla.com

The Anxiety and Panic Disorder Center of Los Angeles aims at presenting an accessible portrait of anxiety that will help sufferers understand it, as one may compassionately understand people diagnosed with diabetes or cancer.

For example, Panic Disorder (according to the DSM IV) is the presence of recurrent and sometimes unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent concern about experiencing another panic attack. Intense worry about the possible consequences and implications of the possible future attacks, and most importantly, a significant behavioral change related to the attacks.

Frequency and severity of panic attacks vary widely. Some individuals report sudden outburst attacks while others report spaced, intermittent attacks that can occur weekly or monthly depending on the individual.

Panic disorder’s age and onset is most typically experienced between late adolescents and individuals in their mid-30’s. A small number of cases reported beginning in early childhood and after age 45 years, but very unusual.

Causes are unclear and research is still unsubstantiated. Panic attacks could possibly be caused by a genetic predisposition, by a gradual build up of life stressors that ultimately mushrooms into acute panic and, ongoing childhood exposure to an environment that was unsafe and inconsistent. Sometimes panic attacks may be substance-induced by stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and even marijuana. Panic disorder is caused by the recurrence of attacks that subsequently creates an ongoing fear of having another attack. The ongoing fear then leads to extreme avoidance behavior of people, places and situations in order to prevent having another attack. Panic disorder is not fatal. It is a treatable disease and it is easily diagnosed.

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John Tsilimparis, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #36512

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Last updated September 2002
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