Panic Disorders

Panic disorders affect nearly 3% of adults in the United States. If you’re constantly worried or fearful about panic attacks, visit with the skilled mental health experts at Anywhere Wellness, based in Everett and Chelan, Washington; Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colorado; and Jacksonville, Florida. They diagnose and treat panic disorder to provide a sense of calm. Schedule a virtual evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What are panic disorders?

Panic disorders are anxiety disorders characterized by panic attacks (periods of intense fear or terror). You might also have physical symptoms as your body senses danger in situations that might not be dangerous. Panic disorder can feel disabling, but treatment at Anywhere Wellness offers the relief and peace of mind you deserve. 

What are the symptoms of panic disorders?

Symptoms of panic disorders may include:

• Shaking
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Pounding or rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Chest discomfort (like you’re having a heart attack)
• Abdominal discomfort, nausea, or an upset stomach
• Chills or hot flashes
• Numbness or tingling in your limbs
• Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness
• Fear of dying or losing control
• Feeling detached from yourself
• A feeling of choking or being smothered 
• Intense terror or impending doom

Panic attacks often last 5-20 minutes, though they sometimes linger for up to an hour. 

More than 90% of people with panic disorder also have another mental health condition, such as major depression, personality disorders, substance misuse disorder (SUD), or another anxiety disorder. 

What can increase the risk of panic disorders?

Panic disorder risk factors can include:

• Family history of panic disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Other mental health conditions 
• Adverse childhood experiences
• Phobias

The exact cause of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, isn’t always clear. 

How is panic disorder diagnosed?

Your Anywhere Wellness provider completes a psychiatric evaluation to determine if you have panic disorder. They discuss your moods, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, lifestyle, past trauma, and current medications. You might be a candidate for genetic testing to determine which medications may be the most appropriate based on your genetic makeup. 

How is panic disorder treated?

Your personalized panic disorder treatment plan might consist of:

• Medication management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure therapy
• Other forms of psychotherapy
• Lifestyle counseling
• Deep breathing
• Mindfulness 
• Other stress-reduction techniques

Treatment helps reduce or eliminate crippling symptoms to better support your mental health and enhance your quality of life. 

You might meet with a therapist weekly or as needed to ensure superior and lasting outcomes. They can also treat any co-existing conditions like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Schedule a telehealth panic disorder evaluation at Anywhere Wellness by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.