Merav Gur, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
I am an expert in the treatment of Panic attacks/Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety. If you believe that you suffer
from these conditions, getting help will significantly improve your quality of life and your relationships.
Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can interfere with daily functioning and with the ability to experience joy. Often times, if panic
attacks are not treated promptly, they can escalate and disrupt life significantly. Panic disorder can be scary for
those who experience it, as well as for loved ones and family members. Avoidance of certain places and
situations, or of being alone, can get in the way of important life tasks. The worry of having another panic attack,
the fear of “passing out” or dying, and the difficulties tolerating physical sensations can be mentally and
physically consuming. As such, joyful activities are contaminated with worries; depression may follow panic
episodes; and avoidance becomes a way of coping. You may withdraw socially, find excuses to avoid trips,
driving, public transportation, elevators, crowds, etc…
The good news is that panic attacks and panic disorder are highly treatable. The combination of psychotherapy
such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and if needed, medications, can help you to learn to manage your
anxiety, experience less panic symptoms, and fully engage in life. Many of my patients eventually learn to
manage anxiety symptoms on their own and experience significant reduction of their panic symptoms. Many do
not need medications once they learn to challenge thoughts and feelings that impact the physical symptoms of
anxiety.
I encourage patients to receive treatment as soon as they recognize that they experience panic symptoms. Early
interventions result in better and quicker resolution.
Social Anxiety
Individuals with social anxiety were often described in childhood as being “shy”, and quiet”. Parents, teachers
and friends believe that this is a personality (you often hear parents describing their children as “introverted”),
failing to recognize that this shyness is a result of social anxiety. Individual with social anxiety are often so
fearful of judgement and rejection; they are consumed with how they come across and with what others are
thinking of them. Social anxiety in adulthood can be devastating. Often times, it is more challenging to
participate in classes, give public presentation, make new contacts in parties and social events, date, establish
friendships, assert oneself, ask for help, and say no. Avoidance can range in magnitude; however, individuals
with social anxiety are pretty good at convincing themselves that they don’t really want to go to a party, date, or
get a more challenging job, when in fact, they don’t do such activities in order to avoid feeling anxious. While
staying in your “comfort zone” may reduce anxiety in the moment, over time, the anxiety gets worse. The more
you avoid, the more anxious you may get in social situations.
Furthermore, individuals with social anxiety may use Alcohol or other substances to self medicate against
anxiety and feel “more relaxed” in social situations. However, dependence on these substances often develops.
If you experience discomfort in social situations, presentations, dates, etc.. and find yourself avoiding situations
in which you may become anxious, you need to seek help. Social anxiety may bring about depression,
substance use, or interference with daily functioning and personal growth. Even if you seek help to deal with
mild social anxiety, you will feel more competent and secure. Many of my patients with social anxiety overcome it
and lead more meaningful lives with more satisfying relationships and less daily fear.
from these conditions, getting help will significantly improve your quality of life and your relationships.
Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can interfere with daily functioning and with the ability to experience joy. Often times, if panic
attacks are not treated promptly, they can escalate and disrupt life significantly. Panic disorder can be scary for
those who experience it, as well as for loved ones and family members. Avoidance of certain places and
situations, or of being alone, can get in the way of important life tasks. The worry of having another panic attack,
the fear of “passing out” or dying, and the difficulties tolerating physical sensations can be mentally and
physically consuming. As such, joyful activities are contaminated with worries; depression may follow panic
episodes; and avoidance becomes a way of coping. You may withdraw socially, find excuses to avoid trips,
driving, public transportation, elevators, crowds, etc…
The good news is that panic attacks and panic disorder are highly treatable. The combination of psychotherapy
such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and if needed, medications, can help you to learn to manage your
anxiety, experience less panic symptoms, and fully engage in life. Many of my patients eventually learn to
manage anxiety symptoms on their own and experience significant reduction of their panic symptoms. Many do
not need medications once they learn to challenge thoughts and feelings that impact the physical symptoms of
anxiety.
I encourage patients to receive treatment as soon as they recognize that they experience panic symptoms. Early
interventions result in better and quicker resolution.
Social Anxiety
Individuals with social anxiety were often described in childhood as being “shy”, and quiet”. Parents, teachers
and friends believe that this is a personality (you often hear parents describing their children as “introverted”),
failing to recognize that this shyness is a result of social anxiety. Individual with social anxiety are often so
fearful of judgement and rejection; they are consumed with how they come across and with what others are
thinking of them. Social anxiety in adulthood can be devastating. Often times, it is more challenging to
participate in classes, give public presentation, make new contacts in parties and social events, date, establish
friendships, assert oneself, ask for help, and say no. Avoidance can range in magnitude; however, individuals
with social anxiety are pretty good at convincing themselves that they don’t really want to go to a party, date, or
get a more challenging job, when in fact, they don’t do such activities in order to avoid feeling anxious. While
staying in your “comfort zone” may reduce anxiety in the moment, over time, the anxiety gets worse. The more
you avoid, the more anxious you may get in social situations.
Furthermore, individuals with social anxiety may use Alcohol or other substances to self medicate against
anxiety and feel “more relaxed” in social situations. However, dependence on these substances often develops.
If you experience discomfort in social situations, presentations, dates, etc.. and find yourself avoiding situations
in which you may become anxious, you need to seek help. Social anxiety may bring about depression,
substance use, or interference with daily functioning and personal growth. Even if you seek help to deal with
mild social anxiety, you will feel more competent and secure. Many of my patients with social anxiety overcome it
and lead more meaningful lives with more satisfying relationships and less daily fear.
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