Treatment for Panic Episodes
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. At Solrei Behavioral Health in Orlando, Florida, our providers work closely with adults and adolescents that are challenged with Panic Disorder.
Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.
Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life. But treatment can be very effective. Solrei Behavioral Health is here to help you heal. If you or a loved one struggles with Panic Disorder, call the office today or request an appointment online.
What is panic disorder?
People with panic disorder have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are characterized by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder.
Panic attacks often include physical symptoms that might feel like a heart attack, such as trembling, tingling, or rapid heart rate. Panic attacks can occur at any time. Many people with panic disorder worry about the possibility of having another attack and may significantly change their life to avoid having another attack. Panic attacks can occur as frequently as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year.
Panic disorder often begins in the late teens or early adulthood. Women are more likely than men to develop panic disorder.
According to National Institute of Mental Health based on diagnostic interview data from National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), the past year prevalence of panic disorder among U.S. adults aged 18 or older was:
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An estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults had panic disorder in the past year.
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Past year prevalence of panic disorder among adults was higher for females (3.8%) than for males (1.6%).
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An estimated 4.7% of U.S. adults experience panic disorder at some time in their lives.2
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/panic-disorder
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Symptoms may include:
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Sudden and repeated panic attacks of overwhelming anxiety and fear
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A feeling of being out of control, or a fear of death or impending doom during a panic attack
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An intense worry about when the next panic attack will happen
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A fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past
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Physical symptoms during a panic attack, such as:
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Pounding or racing heart
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Sweating
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Chills
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Trembling
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Difficulty breathing
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Weakness or dizziness
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Tingly or numb hands
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Chest pain
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Stomach pain or nausea
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What are some causes of panic disorder?
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As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood. But it's thought to be linked to a combination of things, including: a traumatic or very stressful life experience, such as bereavement. having a close family member with panic disorder. Panic disorder sometimes runs in families, but no one knows for sure why some family members have it while others don’t. Researchers have found that several parts of the brain and certain biological processes may play a crucial role in fear and anxiety. Some researchers think panic attacks are like “false alarms” where our body’s typical survival instincts are active either too often, too strongly, or some combination of the two. For example, someone with panic disorder might feel their heart pounding and assume they’re having a heart attack. This may lead to a vicious cycle, causing a person to experience panic attacks seemingly out of the blue, the central feature of panic disorder. Researchers are studying how the brain and body interact in people with panic disorder to create more specialized treatments. In addition, researchers are looking at the ways stress and environmental factors play a role in the disorder.
How do you panic disorder?
Treatment can help reduce the intensity and frequency of your panic attacks and improve your function in daily life. The main treatment options are psychotherapy and medications. One or both types of treatment may be recommended, depending on your preference, your history, the severity of your panic disorder and whether you have access to therapists who have special training in treating panic disorders.
Our Services
We all have unique needs and and at times need help. Solrei Behavioral Health focuses on creating individualized treatment plans in order to improve mental health. Our compassionate care guarantees comprehensive support. Learn more about some of our most common services.
“This feeling will pass. The fear is real but the danger is not.”
- Cammie McGovern
