Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical and emotional reactions, even when there's no real threat.
The fear of having another attack is a core component of the disorder, often leading to a significant change in behavior to avoid situations where a past attack occurred.
Symptoms of Panic Attack
A panic attack often reaches its peak within minutes and can include a combination of the following symptoms:
Physical
Pounding or racing heart, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, a choking sensation, chest pain, nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, numbness or tingling, and hot or cold flashes. These physical symptoms can be so intense that people often mistake them for a heart attack or another serious medical emergency.
Cognitive/Emotional
An intense feeling of impending doom or danger, fear of losing control, a fear of dying, and a feeling of unreality or detachment from oneself
Our Approach
For treating panic disorder, our approach to care is generally a mix of therapy and medication. Psychotherapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is highly effective.
It helps people recognize and change the thinking and behaviors that lead to panic attacks. In some cases, a doctor might also prescribe medication alongside therapy to help manage symptoms.