What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and recurring panic attacks. Unlike generalized anxiety disorder, which involves ongoing worry and tension, panic disorder is defined by short, intense episodes of fear that can occur without warning. During a panic attack, individuals may experience symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or a sense of impending doom. They often fear they are having a heart attack, even when no physical threat is present.
While many people experience a panic attack once or twice in their lives without needing treatment, those with panic disorder have recurrent attacks and often live in fear of the next one. This ongoing anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors and significantly interfere with daily life.
Panic disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and is more common in women than in men. It affects approximately 4.7% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives, with 2.7% experiencing it in a given year. The severity of the condition can vary; however, data show that an estimated 44.8% of people with panic disorder experience serious impairment due to their symptoms.
Effective treatment can help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks and improve overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and care are essential in managing the condition and preventing it from worsening over time.
Other Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder and More
While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, anxiety disorders involve persistent and excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life. These are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Individuals with severe anxiety may struggle with concentration, sleep, physical discomfort, and avoidance behaviors that impact relationships, work, or school.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Each presents differently, but all can cause significant emotional distress. Fortunately, effective treatments, including psychotherapy and medication, are available to help individuals manage symptoms and regain control.
The American Psychiatric Association lists these examples of anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Specific phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Each of these disorders has its own psychological and physical symptoms. Getting help for anxiety-based mental disorders is an essential part of overcoming fear and building a future you love.
When Fear Overwhelms: Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Those who develop panic disorder experience panic attacks on a regular basis. These attacks include physical symptoms such as:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating or chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Chest pain
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of dying
- Feeling like you are choking
- Feeling detached from your body
- Feeling like you’re in a dream
- Numbness or tingling
A panic attack can be so intense that individuals often mistake it for a heart attack, sometimes leading them to seek emergency medical care. While a single panic attack can occur without further symptoms, individuals who develop panic disorder experience recurrent episodes and ongoing distress related to their symptoms.
Common symptoms of panic disorder include:
- Frequent, unexpected panic attacks
- Intense fear or excessive anxiety about having another panic attack
- Physical symptoms such as dizziness or a feeling of losing control
- Avoidance of places or situations where previous panic attacks occurred
Some individuals also report difficulty concentrating or feeling on edge in locations where panic attacks have previously happened, leading to disruptions in daily life and increased anxiety.
You don’t have to live in constant fear of the next episode. Effective treatment for anxiety disorders is available. The mental health professionals at Woburn Addiction Treatment can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage panic attack symptoms and regain control. With the right care, panic disorder can be treated, allowing you to move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.
How To Find Treatment for Anxiety and Substance Abuse in Massachusetts
Finding treatment for anxiety and substance abuse in Massachusetts begins with acknowledging the interconnected nature of these conditions and understanding the importance of treating mental health conditions alongside addiction. When seeking treatment, start by consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or mental health specialist, who can assess both your mental and physical health, and provide recommendations for appropriate treatment methods. They may suggest a range of options, from inpatient substance abuse treatment programs to outpatient counseling services that specialize in dual diagnosis.
In addition to medical and psychological treatment, consider programs that incorporate holistic approaches, such as relaxation techniques and nutrition counseling, to support overall well-being. Research local and state resources, reach out to local mental health organizations, or consult with your insurance provider for a list of covered services. Remember, seeking therapy is a courageous step towards recovery and there are numerous resources in Massachusetts designed to guide you through this journey towards health and stability.
Diagnosis of Panic Disorder
To diagnose panic disorder, you’ll get a medical examination as well as mental health evaluations. The physical exam will ensure there aren’t medical conditions that might be causing the symptoms of panic.
A mental health professional will also do mental health assessments to determine if your emotional and physical symptoms match the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The diagnostic criteria for panic disorder include experiencing two or more recent panic attacks for no obvious reason and a fear of having more. Panic attacks include at least four of the symptoms listed previously.
Causes and Risk Factors For Panic Disorder
Mental health professionals don’t fully know what causes mental disorders like panic disorder. However, there are certain elements that people with panic disorder have in common.
It’s common for panic disorder to run in families, indicating there might be a genetic component. Individuals who develop panic disorder may have differences in brain chemistry and biological functioning. Major stress or traumatic events also increase your chances of having panic disorder.
There are other risk factors as well. Excessive caffeine intake can cause anxiety, which can grow into panic disorder. Many people who have substance use disorders may also develop panic disorder, although it’s not clear that it’s a direct cause.
Other Issues That Can Develop With Panic Disorder
Panic disorder can affect your life significantly. You can live in constant fear of having another panic attack, and it can affect where you feel you can go and what you can do.
Without treatment, panic disorder can also result in co-occurring mental health and medical conditions, such as:
- Developing phobias of specific activities due to fear of having a panic attack
- Consistent medical anxiety that leads to additional medical care costs
- Problems at work or school
- Psychiatric disorders such as depression or other anxiety disorders
- A higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions
- Substance use disorders
How is Panic Disorder Treated?
Like many other mental health conditions, panic disorder is treated through a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Behavioral therapies are often the first line of care, helping individuals manage anxiety symptoms, reduce the frequency of panic attacks, and build long-term coping strategies. These therapies are tailored to address anxiety sensitivity—the heightened fear of anxiety-related sensations—and help patients regain a sense of control.
Medication may also be used to reduce overall anxiety levels and decrease the likelihood or intensity of panic attacks. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, medication can support progress in therapy and improve daily functioning.
At Woburn Addiction Treatment, we offer outpatient programs with varying levels of intensity to meet each individual’s needs. These programs integrate evidence-based therapeutic approaches and teach relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing, to help manage symptoms and prevent future episodes.
To learn more about our options for treating anxiety-related conditions and panic attacks, contact our team today.
Psychotherapy From Mental Health Professionals
Psychotherapy, which is also called talk therapy, allows you to work with a therapist to see if there are specific events that may have caused your first panic attack and subsequent issues. When fear overwhelms you and you feel the symptoms of a panic attack, there might be traumatic events or other experiences that underlie those fears.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common approaches used in therapy, especially for those who experience symptoms of panic disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhelpful thinking patterns and challenge them. Then, you’ll learn to replace them with more helpful mindsets.
Exposure therapy is another approach that can help. In a safe and supportive environment, you’ll be slowly exposed to things that may trigger attacks so that you can practice coping skills and better manage symptoms. Exposure therapy can be challenging, but it makes a big difference in the quality of life.
During therapy, you’ll also learn more about panic symptoms and physical sensations and why your body goes into a fight-or-flight response.
Medication for Anxiety Attacks and Panic Disorder
Mental health medication can make a big difference in helping people reduce symptoms of panic disorder. Some of the common medications used for panic disorder include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can help treat depression and anxiety disorders. They increase the levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs also raise specific neurotransmitters in the brain and can improve anxiety symptoms, such as panic attacks.
- Anxiety medications. There are a variety of anxiety medications that produce a calming effect, which can provide immediate relief if you have unexpected panic attacks.
It’s common for medication to take several weeks to start working, and it may take time to find the right medication and dose. At Woburn, we provide medication management as part of our mental health services so you can ensure you get the care you need.
Holistic Approaches: Deep Breathing and More
In addition to therapy and medication, we offer skill-building classes that help individuals manage the symptoms of sudden attacks and reduce fear surrounding the next panic attack.
When people experience panic attacks, they often experience difficulty breathing and significant muscle tension. Learning deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help you overcome these symptoms. Difficulty breathing can cause a lot of panic, so these exercises can do a lot to help you relax and avoid a full-blown panic attack.
We also connect patients with support groups and long-term resources to help maintain progress, prevent future panic attacks, and support a fulfilling, sustained recovery.
Get Panic Disorder Treatment at Woburn Addiction Treatment Today
Frequent and unexpected panic attacks can be overwhelming and disruptive, often limiting daily activities and creating a persistent fear of future episodes. Living with ongoing panic symptoms can take a significant toll, but effective care is available.
At Woburn Addiction Treatment, we offer evidence-based programs designed to help individuals manage panic disorder with confidence. By combining therapy, medication, and holistic strategies, our team helps reduce panic symptoms and support lasting recovery.
If you’re ready to take control, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.
Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health. Panic Disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/panic-disorder.
American Psychiatric Association. What Are Anxiety Disorders? 2023, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders.
MedlinePlus. Panic Disorder Test. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2023, https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/panic-disorder-test/.
National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Health Medications. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications.
