Panic Disorder

Up to 3% of the United States population suffers from panic disorder, and 11% experience panic attacks. At Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas, the compassionate mental health specialists screen for and treat panic disorder to reduce unwarranted fear and panic in everyday situations. Schedule an in-person or virtual mental health evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health or book a visit online today. 

What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by having panic attacks. A panic attack is an episode of intense fear. It triggers physical reactions to things that pose no real danger or threat. 

However, the attacks can feel frightening or as if you’re having a heart attack. If you or a loved one struggles with panic attacks, see the Alamo Premier Mental Health experts for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of panic disorder?

The symptoms of panic disorder include:

• Recurrent panic attacks
• Panic that appears suddenly without warning
• Fatigue after a panic attack
• Sense of doom or impending danger
• Rapid or pounding heart rate
• Fear of death or loss of control
• Sweating, trembling, or shaking
• Throat tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Hot flashes or chills
• Stomach cramping
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Feeling detached from reality

Symptoms often appear during the late teenage years or in early adulthood. You might live in fear of having another panic attack. This can provoke additional anxiety when left untreated. 

What are the risk factors for panic disorder?

While the exact cause of panic disorder isn’t fully clear, possible risk factors include:

• Major stress
• Trauma, such as abuse
• Brain changes
• Family history of panic disorder
• Being sensitive to stress
• Being female
• Major life changes
• Smoking
• Excessive caffeine intake

Certain situations can trigger panic attacks; they may appear suddenly and without warning for no apparent reason.

Left untreated, panic disorder can cause you to avoid social situations or lead to depression, phobias, other anxiety disorders, substance misuse, financial concerns, and problems at work or in school. 

How is panic disorder diagnosed?

The experts at Alamo Premier Mental Health diagnose panic disorder by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. They discuss your symptoms, moods, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

The practice also offers DNA-based testing (pharmacogenetic testing) to establish which medications may benefit you based on your genetic makeup. 

How is panic disorder treated?

Your individualized panic disorder treatment plan may consist of:

• Stress management (yoga, meditation, tai chi, massage, acupuncture, etc.)
• Medication management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Other forms of psychotherapy 
• Support groups
• Lifestyle changes

It’s important to avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs, and caffeine to minimize the risk of panic attacks. It’s also helpful to stay active, eat nutritious foods, and get enough sleep. Follow up with the Alamo Premier Mental Health experts routinely to optimize your mental health outcomes.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth panic disorder evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or booking a visit online today.