EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is widely known as a powerful treatment for trauma, but can it be effectively used to treat panic attacks? The short answer is sometimes—but not always. Let’s dive into how EMDR can be leveraged for panic disorder and agoraphobia, and when it may not be the best approach.

Why EMDR Alone Might Not Be Enough

In most cases, jumping straight into EMDR to treat panic attacks is a waste of time. That’s because panic disorder thrives on avoidance, and the key to recovery is direct exposure to the sensations and situations that trigger it. EMDR works by gradually desensitizing distressing memories, but the stimulus intensity in EMDR is often too low to effectively disrupt the panic cycle.

For most cases of panic disorder, a more direct approach—Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combined with Exposure Therapy—is faster and more effective. With these methods, you can expect to be at least 50% better in two months and continue improving beyond that.

When EMDR Can Be Useful for Panic Disorder

Although EMDR is not the go-to treatment for panic attacks, there are certain situations where it can be beneficial:

✔️ When panic is rooted in trauma – If a traumatic event is directly linked to the onset of panic attacks, EMDR can be useful in addressing the emotional charge surrounding that memory. ✔️ As a way to weaken panic associations before full exposure – EMDR can serve as a “light” version of exposure, reducing the emotional intensity of panic-related triggers before engaging in direct exposure therapy. ✔️ For addressing residual anxiety after initial treatment – Panic recovery follows a pattern: the biggest improvements happen in the first few months, but the last 10-15% of lingering anxiety can take much longer to resolve. EMDR can help address leftover emotional triggers that remain after exposure therapy has significantly reduced panic symptoms.

Two Ways to Use EMDR for Panic Attacks

1️⃣ At the Beginning of Treatment (Pre-Exposure Desensitization)

• EMDR can be used before exposure therapy to weaken the associations between panic triggers and fear.

• This approach works best for people who struggle with overwhelming fear at the thought of even starting exposure.

2️⃣ At the End of Treatment (Clearing Residual Triggers)

• After structured exposure therapy has significantly reduced panic attacks, EMDR can help address subtle, lingering triggers that still cause anxiety.

• This helps eliminate all remaining distress associated with past panic episodes, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

How EMDR Works: A Quick Overview

EMDR is based on a dual-focus process, meaning you focus on distressing thoughts or memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation—typically by moving your eyes back and forth. This method is believed to mimic REM sleep processing, helping the brain reprocess distressing memories more efficiently.

• EMDR is used to desensitize negative emotional responses and replace them with more adaptive beliefs.

• It is highly effective for trauma and loss, but requires structured application when used for panic disorder.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use EMDR for Panic Disorder?

If you’re struggling with panic attacks, EMDR alone is unlikely to be the fastest or most effective treatment. However, when combined strategically—either before exposure therapy to reduce initial fear or after exposure to eliminate lingering anxiety—EMDR can play a valuable role in your recovery.

If panic attacks are interfering with your life, the best approach is a combination of structured exposure, ACT, and, if necessary, EMDR for specific cases tied to trauma. With the right method, panic disorder can be significantly reduced—or even eliminated.