Care for Panic Disorder

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and often comes with both physical and psychological symptoms. While panic attacks are not life-threatening, they can feel overwhelming and alarming.

For many experiencing their first panic attack, it can feel like a heart attack, stroke, or even a life-threatening event. Although the experience is frightening, panic attacks themselves are not dangerous. They can occur whether someone is in a calm or anxious state.

The most intense part of a panic attack usually subsides within 30 minutes, but lingering physical and mental discomfort can persist for several hours. Panic attacks typically involve four or more of the following symptoms, reaching a peak within minutes:

• Pounding heart, palpitations, or racing heartbeat
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath or feeling smothered
• Choking sensations
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Chills or hot flashes
• Numbness or tingling, often in the hands or feet
• Feeling detached from reality or oneself
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying

Because symptoms of a panic attack can resemble serious medical conditions like heart attacks—such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or tingling—many people seek emergency care during their first attack. With proper education and treatment, however, most individuals learn to manage panic attacks without hospital visits.

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder marked by recurring, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about future attacks. People with panic disorder may begin avoiding situations where previous attacks occurred, which can significantly disrupt daily life.

Unlike isolated panic attacks, panic disorder involves frequent episodes and ongoing anxiety about their occurrence. With appropriate treatment, including therapy and sometimes medication, individuals can regain control and reduce the impact of panic attacks on their lives.

How Common Are Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder?

Panic attacks are more common than many realize.

Each year, over 10% of people in the U.S. experience at least one panic attack, with women twice as likely as men to be affected. About 2–3% of the population meets the full diagnostic criteria for panic disorder.

How Fine Tune Psychiatry Treats Panic Disorder

Fine Tune Psychiatry provides comprehensive care through therapy and medication management for individuals seeking support from a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner that treats panic disorder.

Therapy

There is no single approach for treating panic attacks, but therapy offers several effective strategies:

• Psychoeducation: Learning what panic attacks are and why they happen can reduce fear and provide a sense of control.
• Breathing and grounding exercises: Practical tools to manage symptoms in the moment.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that trigger panic.
• Lifestyle assessment: Addressing sleep, nutrition, and hydration, which can impact susceptibility to panic.
• Exposure therapy: Gradually confronting panic triggers or the physical sensations of panic to reduce fear over time.

Our clinicians can incorporate therapy into their sessions. If a patient requires more intensive or focused therapy, our psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners will make recommendations for psychologists and therapists in your area, and will collaborate with them to provide coordinated care. We find that working with a team of specialized providers can result in the best outcomes, and we’re happy to take the time to do so.

Medication Management

Medication may complement therapy for panic attacks or panic disorder. Options may include:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Improve serotonin levels to mitigate panic symptoms.
• SNRIs (Selective Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): Increase availability of Serotonin and Norepinephrine.
• Beta Blockers (such as propranolol): Reduce physical symptoms of panic by inhibiting the Fight or Flight Sympathetic Nervous Response.
• Benzodiazepines: Can be taken as needed, often in anticipation of high-stress events or identifiable triggers. These medications have abuse potential and can cause physiological dependence.

When to Seek Help

Consult a psychiatrist that treats panic disorder if you notice:

• Avoiding situations due to panic symptoms
• Interference with work, school, or social life
• Difficulty sleeping, poor focus, or changes in appetite
• High levels of stress or anxiety
• Crying episodes or feelings of hopelessness
• Use of alcohol, substances, or self-harm to cope
• Suicidal thoughts (call 911 or 988 immediately)

Start Your Panic Disorder Treatment Today

At Fine Tune Psychiatry, our team is composed of highly trained, academically oriented professionals who specialize in the treatment of complex psychiatric conditions and comorbidities, including Panic Disorder. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that each patient receives comprehensive and individualized care.

• Appointments typically available within 2-3 weeks
• Highly trained clinicians from institutions like Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
• Academic providers, many of whom are published and/or maintain academic titles at local institutions
• Comprehensive, patient-centered care
• Coordination with your other healthcare providers
• Most major commercial insurance plans accepted
• 60-minute evaluation sessions and 20-30-minute follow-ups
• An inclusive, supportive environment for all individuals