Psychiatrist For Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions, even when there is no real danger. Common symptoms include sweating, difficulty breathing, and a racing heart. Panic attacks can feel overwhelming and frightening, often leading people to think they’re experiencing a heart attack or other serious medical issue.

Panic attacks can occur independently or as part of other conditions, such as:

• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders
• Phobias
• Psychotic disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
• Certain medical conditions

While panic attacks themselves aren’t physically harmful, recurring episodes can significantly impact your quality of life, making it crucial to seek appropriate treatment and support.

Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What’s the Difference?

The main distinction lies in the triggers and intensity:

• Anxiety attacks: Often triggered by specific stressors and build gradually. Symptoms can include physical discomfort like a racing heart or stomach knots but are generally less intense and longer-lasting.
• Panic attacks: Typically occur suddenly and without warning. Symptoms are more severe and intense but tend to resolve quickly.

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repeated, unexpected panic attacks. Unlike anxiety attacks, panic disorder episodes often occur without any identifiable trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder.

How Common Are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are fairly common. Up to 11% of people in the United States experience a panic attack annually. However, panic disorder affects 2% to 3% of the population, with women being twice as likely as men to develop the condition.

Symptoms of a Panic Attack

Panic attack symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes of onset and may last for 5 to 20 minutes, though some episodes have been reported to last up to an hour. Common physical symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Racing or pounding heart
• Difficulty breathing or hyperventilation
• Trembling or shaking
• Chills
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes

Emotional symptoms may include:

• Intense feelings of terror
• Fear of losing control
• A choking or smothering sensation
• Fear of dying
• Feelings of unreality (derealization) or detachment from oneself (depersonalization)

What Causes Panic Attacks?

The exact cause of panic attacks isn’t fully understood, but several factors may contribute:

• Brain function: Dysregulation of the amygdala, the brain region responsible for processing fear, may play a role.
• Chemical imbalances: Issues with neurotransmitters like GABA, cortisol, and serotonin can contribute to panic attacks.
• Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders increases your risk of developing panic attacks.
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Traumatic events during childhood may increase susceptibility to panic attacks.

While some panic attacks have no identifiable trigger, specific situations, like phobias, can sometimes provoke them.

Diagnosis of Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

How Are Panic Attacks Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, medical history, and perform tests to rule out underlying conditions that mimic panic attack symptoms, such as heart or respiratory issues.

How Is Panic Disorder Diagnosed?

Panic disorder is diagnosed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Diagnosis includes:

• Experiencing multiple unexpected panic attacks
• Persistent worry about having more attacks for at least a month
• Changes in behavior to avoid triggering situations
• Exclusion of symptoms caused by substances, medical conditions, or other mental health disorders

Treatment for Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. The duration of treatment depends on symptom severity and individual response.

Psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change thought patterns that trigger panic attacks, reducing their frequency and severity over time.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposes you to panic-inducing situations to desensitize you and reduce anxiety associated with triggers.

Medications

• Antidepressants: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine) can reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
• Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam) may provide short-term relief but carry a risk of dependence.

How to Prevent Panic Attacks

You can take steps to reduce your risk of panic attacks:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Eat a balanced diet
• Practice stress management techniques
• Work with a healthcare provider to identify and manage triggers

Outlook for Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

With proper treatment, most people experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. However, without treatment, panic disorder can negatively impact social and occupational functioning and increase the risk of suicidal ideation.

How to Manage a Panic Attack

During a panic attack, you can take steps to manage symptoms:

• Practice deep, slow breathing to counteract hyperventilation
• Remind yourself that the attack is temporary and not life-threatening
• Relax your muscles by focusing on one group at a time
• Use mindfulness techniques to ground yourself in the present moment

How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack

If someone you know is experiencing a panic attack, you can help by:

• Staying calm and offering reassurance
• Encouraging slow, deep breathing
• Using simple, comforting phrases
• Helping them focus on the present moment

When to See a Psychiatrists For Panic Attacks & Panic Disorders

If panic attacks or panic disorder are disrupting your life, making daily tasks overwhelming, or causing fear of future episodes, it’s time to seek help. At PsychBright Health in Los Angeles, our specialized psychiatrists provide compassionate care and effective treatments tailored to your needs. Take the first step toward reclaiming your calm and confidence—contact us today to start your journey toward a panic-free life.