Panic Disorder Treatment

Panic disorder treatment can help people who experience sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear with no apparent cause. Without treatment, panic disorder can prevent people from living their normal lives. Fortunately, many people can find relief with the right treatment plan.

Florida Psychiatric Associates provides panic disorder treatment in Altamonte Springs and the surrounding area. Our team can develop a customized treatment plan to produce optimal results. Call us today at 407-960-5633.

Understanding Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes people to experience panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of terror that can occur at any time or place and without warning. These attacks occur when a person is in no real danger. The onset of this condition usually occurs when a person is a young adult.

For a person to be diagnosed with panic disorder, they must experience at least one panic attack and live in constant worry for a month or longer that they will experience another one. People with panic disorder may change their routine and avoid certain activities and places to keep from experiencing another attack. Our psychiatrist can develop personalized treatment plans to help patients overcome panic disorders and improve their quality of life.

Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of panic disorders is not fully understood. However, research has shown that people with mental health or substance abuse issues may have an increased risk of developing a panic disorder. Panic disorder can also run in families, but the reason why some family members have this condition while others do not is unknown.

A panic attack typically lasts about five to 10 minutes. However, in some cases, an attack can persist for hours and lead to a person going to the emergency room. People with panic disorder experience attacks where they are overwhelmed with four or more of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Chills or hot flashes
• Fear of dying or losing control
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking

Reasons to Seek Panic Disorder Treatment

Without treatment, panic disorder can lower a person’s quality of life. Panic disorder can take over a person’s life as they fear the possibility of having a panic attack at any time. People may experience issues at work or school and avoid social interactions with others.

This can lead to other fears and mental health disorders such as agoraphobia, which is the fear of being outside or in an enclosed area. Fortunately, most people can find relief with the right treatment. Our team can create a customized treatment plan that helps patients gain control over their lives and symptoms.

Psychotreatment

Psychotreatment can help people with panic disorder recognize and change their thinking patterns to prevent a panic attack from occurring. In particular, cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) is effective for treating this disorder. During CBT, people learn to change the way they think, behave, and react to the feelings that accompany a panic attack.

Once a person learns how to react differently to the fear and anxiety that occurs during a panic attack, these sudden episodes will disappear.

Medication

Medications can also help with preventing panic attacks. In particular, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are commonly used to treat patients with panic disorders. It can take time and trial and error for patients to determine the optimal dosage and type of medication for their unique needs.

Patients may be able to receive antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Patients who begin to take medication to address a panic disorder may feel like they are not working at first. It usually takes two to four weeks for antidepressants to work and up to eight weeks to produce their full effects.

Call Us Today

Do not let panic disorder control your life. Our team at Florida Psychiatric Associates is here to help. Call us today at 407-960-5633 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between having panic attacks and having a panic disorder?

Panic attacks and disorders are different. Many people may experience a panic attack or two during their lives. However, recurring and unexpected panic attacks that cause people to fear another may signify a panic disorder.

Is it possible to prevent panic disorder?

There is no way to prevent a panic disorder or attack. However, taking certain actions can help. Such recommendations may include receiving professional treatment, adhering to a treatment plan to prevent relapse, and getting regular activity to protect against anxiety.

What are the risk factors associated with panic disorder?

There are various risk factors for panic disorder. Having a family history of panic attacks or disorders can increase a person’s risk for panic disorder. Other risk factors include stress, a traumatic event, major life changes, and a history of abuse.

What complications can occur without panic disorder treatment?

Without treatment, panic disorders can lead to further complications. People may live in constant fear of another panic attack, preventing them from living normal lives. Some possible complications associated with panic disorders include phobia development, avoiding social situations, substance abuse, and issues at work or school.

How does a panic attack feel?

A panic attack is characterized by an intense wave of fear that is unexpected and immobilizing. A person may feel their heart beating hard along with difficulty breathing. The physical symptoms of a panic attack can vary and typically peak after a few minutes.

Request an appointment here: Call Florida Psychiatric Associates at (407) 960-5633 for an appointment in our Altamonte Springs office.

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