Panic Disorder Treatment Altamonte Springs, FL

Understanding Panic Attacks

People with panic disorder experience chronic panic attacks. During a panic attack, they might experience physical symptoms like:

• Chest pain
• Chills
• Dizziness or numbness
• Flushed skin or hot flashes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shaking or trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Panic attacks can also trigger psychological symptoms, including a sense of impending doom; fear of death, illness, or injury; and a sense of detachment.

During a panic attack, many people fear having a heart attack. Some seek out emergency medical care or a cardiovascular checkup. Patients often feel embarrassed or ashamed when told they have been experiencing a panic attack.

The symptoms of panic attacks and heart attacks can be similar. Unlike heart attacks, panic attacks are not life-threatening. However, they can be intensely uncomfortable. If a patient suspects a panic attack, they should not hesitate to seek medical care. A medical provider can ease their symptoms and offer guidance.

Causes of Panic Disorder

Researchers cannot pinpoint what causes panic attacks. The condition appears to have a genetic component. If patients have family members with anxiety, they might be more likely to develop panic disorder. Some patients might be born with increased sensitivity to hormones like adrenaline. These factors could increase the risk of panic disorder.

Panic disorders might also have an environmental basis, and many people develop panic disorders after a traumatic experience or major life change. Stress can play a role too. Patients who have suffered health problems, job loss, or divorce sometimes develop panic disorder. New parents might also be at a higher risk of panic disorder. While panic attacks can be excruciating, they are not life-threatening. Panic attacks do not appear to cause heart problems or other serious health problems. However, they can take a toll on a patient's quality of life.

People with panic attacks often miss weeks of school or work. They may fall behind and struggle to meet their obligations. Some people may even turn to drugs or alcohol to numb their symptoms. Without treatment, patients may develop suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors. Those who experience panic attacks should seek guidance from a qualified medical provider who can determine whether they have panic disorder. They also recommend treatments to reduce one's risk of future panic attacks. Treatment can make panic disorder symptoms easier to manage.

Diagnosing Panic Disorder

As part of one's evaluation, a medical provider may perform a complete physical exam. During this exam, the provider looks for problems with the heart or lungs. They may also check one's hormones and thyroid function. Sometimes, hormonal imbalances can trigger symptoms that mimic panic disorder. Patients can also expect to receive a complete psychological evaluation. The provider may ask them to describe their symptoms. They may ask how often one has panic attacks or when their symptoms started. The provider might also ask how their symptoms have affected their life.

Drugs and alcohol can worsen panic disorder symptoms. During one's evaluation, the provider may ask how often they use these substances. Patients must be truthful about drug and alcohol use. Providers depend on their patients to provide accurate information, and they use this feedback to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Panic Disorder Treatments

Many people with panic disorder find medication helpful. If diagnosed with panic disorder, one's provider might suggest a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These medications support the movement of neurotransmitters within the brain.

Neurotransmitters help the brain determine when to produce certain chemicals. They also regulate physical responses. Many people with panic disorders have a chemical imbalance within their brains. Medication can help support healthy brain chemistry. Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) can also relieve anxiety and panic symptoms. During CBT, patients identify unhealthy or inaccurate thought patterns. They explore their emotions, motivations, fears, and desires.

CBT can also teach patients to manage triggering or upsetting situations. After CBT, patients often feel better able to manage their panic symptoms. Many patients achieve results by combining medication with CBT. Medication can restore healthy brain chemistry while CBT encourages healthy thought patterns; these treatments work together to support a holistic recovery.

Other treatment modalities can also help patients manage their panic disorder. A provider can discuss various treatment options in more detail during a consultation.