Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent fear of having another attack. A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and includes physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fear of losing control or dying.
The key to panic disorder is the cycle: you have a panic attack, survive it, but then become hypervigilant because you’re afraid it will happen again. This fear often leads to avoidance of places or situations where you’ve had panic attacks or where escape seems difficult.
The result is a narrowing world: people start avoiding driving, crowded places, public transportation, or leaving home. But here’s what’s important: panic disorder is highly treatable, and recovery is possible.
A panic attack comes on suddenly and usually peaks within five to 10 minutes. During a panic attack, you might experience a combination of these symptoms:
After panic attacks, people often worry about having another one, avoid situations where they’ve had attacks, or become anxious about the anxiety itself.
Montana will ask about your panic attacks: when they started, what they feel like, whether they seem to come out of nowhere, and how they’re affecting your life. He’ll also explore what happens after attacks. Do you avoid certain places or types of experiences? Are you afraid of having another attack? He’ll rule out medical conditions, like thyroid problems or heart issues, that can mimic panic symptoms. Sometimes panic attacks are a sign of another anxiety disorder, so he’ll explore the full picture in order to achieve the most accurate diagnosis.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for treating panic disorders, but there are proven methods that can help you feel better and reduce panic attack symptoms.
Medications like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are effective for panic disorder. They reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks over time.
Anti-anxiety medications can also provide rapid relief during acute panic, but they are best used short-term and intermittently.
When you practice facing situations or sensations that trigger panic, you learn that they’re not actually dangerous. For example, if you fear panic at the grocery store, your exposure therapy may include spending time there, discovering that nothing bad happens. It might sound scary, but it’s effective and approached gradually and carefully. You’ll work at your own pace with support from your medical provider.
This type of mental health therapy helps you understand your panic cycle and how to break it. You learn to break it by challenging fearful thoughts and harmful thought patterns.
Slow diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation calms your nervous system and prevents panic spirals. Mindfulness and meditation can be practiced almost anywhere, almost any time!
Certain lifestyle factors can actually increase or worsen panic attacks. Changes, like limiting your caffeine, exercising multiple days per week, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting consistent sleep, and managing stressors all contribute to your recovery from panic attacks.
In your first 40-minute appointment, you’ll be asked to describe your panic attacks in detail: what happens, what you feel, what you fear will happen. Montana will also ask about avoidance patterns and how panic is affecting your daily life.
Together, you’ll create a treatment plan. This might include medication, therapy, and strategies for managing panic. Follow-up appointments help track your progress and adjust your plan.
Schedule your appointment with Montana at Brady Psychiatry today. Telehealth appointments available 24/7 through SimplePractice.