Panic Disorder
Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment
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Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks along with an ongoing fear of having future attacks. A panic attack is an intense surge of anxiety that can produce powerful physical sensations such as a racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fear of losing control.
Many people who develop panic disorder become confused by their panic attacks because there is not always a clear trigger. An attack may occur suddenly, even when the person is not in a stressful situation. When left untreated, panic disorder can develop into agoraphobia.
In-person sessions are provided in Tampa and virtual sessions are available throughout Florida and New York.
What Is a Panic Attack?
Common panic attack symptoms include:
- Rapid or pounding heart rate
- Chest pain or tightness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Trembling or shaking
- Tingling or numbness
- Fear of dying or losing control
Because many of these sensations resemble symptoms of serious medical conditions, people experiencing panic attacks often fear that something is physically wrong.
For more information on how panic attacks can be confused for a heart attack, please click here.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder develops when someone begins to fear the possibility of future panic attacks.
Typically, the cycle begins with a panic attack that feels extremely distressing. Afterward, the individual becomes worried about when the next attack might happen.
Over time, this fear can lead to avoidance of situations where a panic attack might occur, including:
- Crowded places
- Driving
- Exercise or physical exertion
- Hot environments
- Social situations
Why Panic Attacks Continue to Happen
For example, noticing a slightly increased heart rate may lead to thoughts such as:
- “What if I’m about to have another panic attack?”
- “What if something is medically wrong?”
These thoughts increase anxiety, which intensifies physical sensations. The brain then interprets those sensations as a threat, which can trigger another panic attack.
This pattern is sometimes referred to as the fear of fear cycle.
Safety Behaviors in Panic Disorder
Some common examples include:
- Carrying water to prevent dehydration or overheating
- Avoiding hot environments
- Using distraction techniques such as scrolling on a phone
- Staying close to exits in public places
- Monitoring heart rate or breathing
- Ensuring access to benzodiazepines
Although these behaviors can feel helpful in the moment, they often maintain the cycle of panic disorder by reinforcing the belief that panic symptoms are dangerous.
For more information about safety behavior, click here.
Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
Many individuals with panic disorder eventually develop agoraphobia especially if the panic disorder is left untreated. Agoraphobia is an anxiety condition characterized by fear of situations where escape may feel difficult or help may not be available if panic symptoms occur.
After experiencing panic attacks in certain environments such as stores, restaurants, highways, or crowded spaces people often begin to worry about having another panic attack in those same situations. Over time, this fear can lead to avoidance of places where panic attacks previously occurred.
Common situations people may begin avoiding include:
- Shopping centers or grocery stores
- Restaurants or public events
- Driving on highways or long distances
- Public transportation
- Crowded or enclosed spaces
For more information about agoraphobia, click here.
Panic Disorder and Benzodiazepines
- Xanax
- Klonopin
- Valium
- Ativan
While benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety temporarily, relying on them can sometimes reinforce the belief that panic symptoms are dangerous and must be controlled immediately.
This is one reason why exposure therapy is so important.
Treatment for Panic Disorder
At Anxiety & OCD Treatment Specialists, treatment often includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and other evidence-based anxiety therapies including Interoceptive Exposure Therapy.
Interoceptive Exposure Therapy
Interoceptive exposure involves intentionally creating mild physical sensations that are similar to those experienced during a panic attack. These exercises may include activities that produce sensations such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Tingling sensations
- Shortness of breath
When the brain repeatedly experiences these sensations without catastrophe, the fear response decreases. As a result, panic attacks become less likely to occur. In other words, clients become desensitized to their psychosomatic symptoms.
How Long Does Panic Disorder Treatment Take?
With proper treatment, individuals can learn to:
- Reduce fear of panic symptoms
- Stop avoiding everyday situations
- Feel more confident in their body’s ability to handle anxiety
- Experience fewer panic attacks over time
- Become empowered
When to Seek Help for Panic Disorder
You may benefit from treatment if panic attacks are:
- Occurring frequently
- Causing avoidance of activities or places
- Leading to constant worry about future attacks
- Interfering with work, relationships, daily life or even the ability to engage in leisure
If you or someone you know is struggling with panic disorder, give us a call for a free consultation. We provide in-person sessions in Tampa, Florida and virtual sessions throughout the rest of Florida and New York.
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