Fear Syndrome Treatment in India

Priya Garcia, 34, is a graphic...

Priya Garcia, 34, is a graphic designer and single mother of a 7-year-old daughter. Her childhood was marked by her father's unpredictable, violent outbursts, creating a constant state of hypervigilance. For the last two years, Priya has been experiencing debilitating panic attacks, especially in enclosed spaces or when hearing raised voices. She avoids supermarkets, public transport, and her daughter's school events. Her world has shrunk to her home office. Her primary care physician, noting her elevated heart rate and avoidance behaviors, referred her to a psychiatrist specializing in trauma. The psychiatrist diagnosed her with Fear Syndrome, a specific trauma-based anxiety disorder, and recommended a structured treatment plan. This involved twice-weekly sessions of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to reframe traumatic memories, combined with gradual, controlled exposure therapy in a virtual reality environment simulating a crowded mall. The first few sessions were emotionally exhausting, bringing up long-buried grief and fear. However, with consistent support, Priya learned to identify and challenge her catastrophic thoughts. Her emotional journey began with profound shame and a belief she was 'broken' for her daughter. Post-treatment, after six months, Priya's panic attacks have reduced from multiple times a week to once a month, and are less severe. She can now attend her daughter's school play and go grocery shopping. The overwhelming shame has been replaced by a hard-won self-compassion. She feels she has reclaimed parts of her life and is modeling resilience for her daughter.