Panic Disorder Treatment

Personalized Care for Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Panic attacks can be frightening and overwhelming. They can occur suddenly and may cause intense physical sensations that make you feel as though something is seriously wrong.

When panic attacks become recurring or the fear of another attack begins affecting your everyday life, you may be experiencing panic disorder.

At TruYou Psychiatry, we take the time to understand your symptoms, concerns, and how panic is affecting your life. Together, we can develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a mental health condition involving recurring, unexpected panic attacks.

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that can develop quickly, sometimes without an obvious cause.

After experiencing a panic attack, some people become increasingly worried about having another one. This fear can lead to avoiding certain places, activities, travel, social situations, or other circumstances associated with previous attacks.

Over time, the fear of another panic attack can become almost as disruptive as the attacks themselves.

Common Symptoms of a Panic Attack

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

• Racing or pounding heartbeat
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Chills or feeling unusually hot
• Numbness or tingling
• Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
• Fear of losing control
• Fear that something terrible is happening

Because some symptoms of a panic attack can resemble those of a medical condition, new or unexplained physical symptoms should be appropriately evaluated.

How Can Panic Disorder Affect Everyday Life?

After experiencing one or more panic attacks, you may begin changing your behavior because you're worried another attack could occur.

You might avoid driving, traveling, exercising, crowded places, social situations, or being far from home.

Some people begin organizing their lives around avoiding situations where they fear a panic attack might occur.

This cycle of panic and avoidance can interfere with work, relationships, independence, and overall quality of life.

Panic Disorder and Anxiety

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder, but a panic attack and generalized anxiety aren't necessarily the same experience.

Generalized anxiety often involves persistent worry about multiple areas of life. A panic attack typically involves a sudden surge of intense fear accompanied by physical or emotional symptoms.

It's also possible to experience panic attacks without having panic disorder.

A psychiatric evaluation can help determine what's contributing to your symptoms.

Panic Disorder and Anxiety

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder, but a panic attack and generalized anxiety aren't necessarily the same experience.

Generalized anxiety often involves persistent worry about multiple areas of life. A panic attack typically involves a sudden surge of intense fear accompanied by physical or emotional symptoms.

It's also possible to experience panic attacks without having panic disorder.

A psychiatric evaluation can help determine what's contributing to your symptoms.

How Is Panic Disorder Diagnosed?

Your provider will discuss your symptoms, when they occur, how frequently they happen, and whether fear of additional attacks has changed your behavior.

Your medical and mental health history may also be considered because certain medical conditions, medications, substances, and other mental health conditions can produce symptoms similar to panic attacks.

Understanding the cause of your symptoms is an important part of determining appropriate treatment.

How Is Panic Disorder Treated?

Panic disorder is treatable. Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of approaches.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used in the treatment of panic disorder. Medication may also be appropriate for some individuals.

At TruYou Psychiatry, your provider can evaluate your symptoms, discuss treatment options with you, and provide ongoing medication management when appropriate.

You're an active participant in your care, and your treatment plan is developed around your individual circumstances and goals.

Panic Doesn't Have to Control Your Life

The fear of experiencing another panic attack can sometimes cause people to stop doing things they once enjoyed or avoid places they once felt comfortable.

With appropriate evaluation and treatment, panic symptoms can be managed.

At TruYou Psychiatry, you are more than your diagnosis. Our goal is to help you understand what you're experiencing and work toward greater confidence, stability, and quality of life.

Take the Next Step

If panic attacks or fear of another attack are interfering with your everyday life, a psychiatric evaluation can help determine what's happening and what treatment options may be appropriate.