Commonly called panic or anxiety attacks.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes sudden and overwhelming feelings of fear, often without any obvious reason or warning. These intense episodes, also known as panic or anxiety attacks, can feel like they happen out of nowhere and can make a person fear that it might happen again, even if there’s no real danger present. For individuals with PTSD, these panic attacks can be especially distressing, as they may be triggered by past traumatic experiences. We refer to this as “the panic about the panic attack.”.Why does panic disorder happen?
Panic disorder’s exact cause is still unclear, but it’s believed to involve a combination of factors, such as genetics, stressful life events, and changes in how the brain reacts to stress. It often occurs alongside other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, which can intensify symptoms and make daily life more challenging. If panic disorder runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop it. It’s also linked to how the brain’s fight-or-flight system works, sometimes triggering fear when there’s no real threat.
Diagnosing panic disorder
Diagnosis isn’t always easy because symptoms can look like other medical issues. To make sure panic disorder is the cause, doctors usually conduct a detailed evaluation, which includes:
- A good medical history with referral to medical specialists to rule out heart, endocrine, or respiratory conditions
- Understanding your history and symptoms to identify panic attacks and their frequency
The goal is to make sure that the panic attacks aren’t due to other medical problems or disorders.
Treatment for panic disorder
While panic disorder can feel overwhelming, there’s good news: it’s treatable, and many people find relief with the right approach. Treatment usually includes therapy and sometimes medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
One of the most effective forms of therapy for panic disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you understand your thoughts and behaviors that lead to panic attacks and teaches you how to cope and reframe those thoughts in a healthier way.
Medications
In some cases, medication can help manage the symptoms. Medications that might be prescribed include:
- Medications that affect serotonin levels or norepinephrine activity
- Medications for temporary anxiety relief
- Other treatments that help stabilize mood and alleviate anxiety
Many times, panic disorder responds well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Otherwise, psychotropic treatment may be warranted. Working closely with our psychiatric providers, we will find you the proper therapy, medication, and dosage if needed.
Related: How to Soothe a Panic Attack
