No obvious stressor is present, but something trips the body's alarm system. Psychotherapy Education is usually the first factor in psychotherapy treatment of this disorder. Learning to recognize and identify such sensations is usually an important initial step toward treatment of panic disorder. Individual psychotherapy is usually the preferred modality and its length is generally short-term, under 12 sessions. An emphasis on education, support, and the teaching of more effective coping strategies are usually the primary foci of therapy.
Family therapy is usually unnecessary and inappropriate.
Therapy can also teach relaxation and imagery techniques. These can be used during a panic attack to decrease immediate physiological distress and the accompanying emotional fears. A cognitive or rational-emotive approach in this area is best. It may or may not be appropriate as a treatment approach, depending upon the client's specific issues. Group therapy can often be used just as effectively to teach relaxation and related skills.