What is a Panic Attack?
Note:
11 of the 13 diagnostic symptoms are physical (e.g., palpitations, sweating) and 2 are cognitive (i.e., going crazy, fear of dying).
Symptoms of a panic attack
- Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Shortness of breath.
- Choking sensations.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Nausea or abdominal distress.
- Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint.
- Chills or heat sensations.
- Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations).
- Derealization (feeling disconnected from reality) or depersonalization (feeling detached from yourself).
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
- Fear of dying.
The sudden increase or surge in fear and discomfort can occur from an anxious or calm state of mind. The time to peak intensity, which is a few minutes, should be assessed independently of any preceding anxiety. A panic attack can return to either an anxious state or a calm state and possibly peak again.
Symptoms of panic disorder include frequent and unexpected panic attacks, constant concern about having another panic attack for over one month after the panic attack and ongoing worry about the consequences of having a panic attack like losing control or having a heart attack.
Other culture-specific symptoms include tinnitus, neck soreness, headaches, uncontrollable screaming, or crying, vertigo, loss of consciousness, loss of bladder or bowel control, slurred speech, suicidal thoughts, etc.
Dr Bornfriend is very kind and compassionate. She is sensitive to what’s happening in your life and offers very solid advice to…Read More
work with whatever is going on. She’s there for You!
Dr. Raju is absolutely amazing. Finally a doctor that listens to what I’m saying. She truly cares about her patients. It’s difficult for me to connect with a doctor. Dr. Raju has such a kind, warm and…Read More
caring nature. It makes it so much easier to freely communicate with her. I’m so grateful I was referred to her.
I dealt with both Dr. Reddy and Dr. Saad. Both were great and very professional. Both took the time to help my family with our situation, even…Read More
while traveling, which is awesome.
Dr. Valeria Serban
Board Certified Psychiatrist with Multiple State Licenses MBBS (MD)
Dr. Valeria Serban is an experienced Neuropsychiatrist. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is an expert in treating panic disorder. Dr. Serban uses various modalities of treat and prevent panic attacks such as medication and therapy. She also reviews labs and hormone imbalance.
Dr. Serban uses non addictive medications to treat and prevent panic attacks. She also treats complications of anxiety such as insomnia and depression.
Dr. Serban is passionate about quality patient care and will help you you regain control of your life with compassionate panic attack treatment and prevention.
Medical School
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
Neurology Residency Training
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
Master of Philosophy (M.Ph.) – Neuroscience
NYS Institute for Basic Research, New York
Internal Medicine Residency
Temple University Hospital, Pennsylvania
Neurology Residency
Temple University Hospital, Pennsylvania
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Neuroscience
NYS Institute for Basic Research, City University of New York – Graduate Center
Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship
Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Electromyography – American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)
Neuromuscular Medicine – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Recertification – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Dr. Tony Issac
Board Certified Psychiatrist in New York & New Jersey (MD)
Dr. Tony Issac is a double board certified psychiatrist. He is board certified in Addiction Psychiatry and by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is an expert in the treatment of panic disorders. He treats patients using a combination of medication and therapy.
As well as panic disorder Dr Issac treats depression, anxiety, social phobia, OCD and other anxiety disorders.
Dr Issac has a patient, compassionate and had a non judge mental approach. He is passionate about treating psychiatric illness and helping individuals obtain symptom relief and regain control of their lives.
Dr. Issac is popular among his patients for being very kind, respectful, empathetic, articulate, patient, and always willing to listen. He conducts suicide assessments and acute stabilization, which includes working with the family and employer to provide the required care and support.
Medical School
St. George’s University: School of Medicine
Psychiatry Residency Training
Richmond University Medical Center: affiliate of Mount Sinai Health Network
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychobiology
Binghamton University – State University of New York
Board Certification
American Board of Preventative Medicine – Addiction Medicine, Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology – Psychiatry, Board Certification
Dr. Gundu Reddy
Board Certified Psychiatrist with Multiple State Licenses MBBS (MD)
Dr. Gundu Reddy is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over fifteen years of experience practicing clinical psychiatry experience. She also has ten years of experience practicing forensic psychiatry. Dr. Reddy has trained in medication management, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Dr. Reddy is interested in integrative psychiatry and believes multiple factors should be considered when evaluating and treating a patient. This, as per Dr. Reddy at includes genetic and developmental factors, medical illness, nutrition, hormones, and environmental and dynamic factors.
Dr. Reddy believes that it is extremely critical to understand psychodynamic conflict and the causes of symptoms while prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms as will help enhance the quality of care. Apart from psychodynamic training Dr Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
Medical School
The United Medical Dental Schools of Guys Kings and St Thomas’ at King’s College London
Psychiatry Residency Training
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training
NYU Psychoanalytic Institute
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Dr. Beena Saad
Triple Board Certified Psychiatrist with Multiple State Licenses (MD)
Dr. Beena Saad is a triple-board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist holding fellowships in child psychosomatic medicine and child and adolescent psychiatry, making her one of the best online psychiatrists for children and adolescents.
With extensive expertise in child and adolescent mental health, Dr. Saad is dedicated to providing comprehensive online psychiatric care for young patients. She specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders in children and teens, including:
- Anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety, OCD, Health Anxiety, Panic Disorders)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Mood disorders, including Childhood Bipolar Disorder and Depression
- PANDAS and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Tic Disorders
- Childhood Schizophrenia
- Sleep Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- Substance Use Disorders
- Psychiatric symptoms related to chronic pain and long-term illnesses
Dr. Saad understands the unique emotional and developmental needs of children and adolescents. She believes in empowering young patients and their families through a personalized and collaborative treatment approach. She carefully assesses environmental influences, family dynamics, and developmental history to create tailored treatment plans for each child.
Her expertise in psychopharmacology allows her to provide safe and effective medication management when necessary.
Additionally, she is skilled in various evidence-based therapies, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Supportive Psychotherapy
- Childhood Therapy
- Family and Parent Counseling
As one of the best online psychiatrists for children and adolescents, Dr. Saad offers convenient and accessible telepsychiatry services that allow families to receive expert mental health care from the comfort of their homes. Her compassionate and patient-centered approach ensures that children receive the support they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Languages Dr. Saad speaks: English, Urdu, Hindi and Sindhi
Medical Education
M.B.B.S. – Sind Medical College, Pakistan
Postgraduate Training
Child Psychiatry Fellowship – University of New Mexico
Child Psychosomatic Medicine Fellowship – Albert Einstein School of Medicine
Registered State Licenses –
- NY – 284008-01
- CA – A 145498
Dr. Cathleen Gomez
Integrative Psychiatrist with Multiple State Licenses MBBS (MD)
Dr. Cathleen Jane Gomez is a board-certified integrative psychiatrist with extensive experience in diverse mental health settings. As a leader in holistic psychiatry, she specializes in medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and integrative approaches to treating mental health conditions.
Dr. Gomez’s expertise in integrative psychiatry allows her to blend traditional psychiatric treatments with innovative, evidence-based therapies.
She takes a whole-person approach to mental health, addressing biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to mental well-being. Her focus is on understanding the root causes of psychiatric conditions and designing personalized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique needs.
Her areas of expertise include:
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders
- Depression and Mood Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Treatment-Resistant Psychiatric Conditions
Dr. Gomez incorporates a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, nutritional psychiatry, and lifestyle modifications into her treatment approach. She believes in empowering her patients by addressing hormonal imbalances, nutrition, gut health and mind-body connections to enhance overall well-being.
As one of the best online integrative psychiatrists, Dr. Gomez provides accessible and convenient telepsychiatry services, allowing patients to receive expert mental health care from the comfort of their homes. Whether treating treatment-resistant conditions or guiding patients through medication-free alternatives, she is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized, and effective psychiatric care tailored to each individual’s journey toward healing.
Medical School
Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica
Psychiatry Residency Training
Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York
Integrative Psychiatry Training
Integrative Psychiatry Institute, Boulder, Colorado
Board Certification
Psychiatry Board Eligible
Florida State Medical License
New York State Medical License
Registered State Licenses –
- NY – 300954-01
- FL – ME143967
Dr. Suja Raju
Board certified Psychiatrist (MD) in New York, Long Island and Charleston
Dr. Raju is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than nine years of clinical experience, certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She specializes in the comprehensive treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia
With a strong commitment to delivering personalized, patient-centered care, Dr. Raju provides expertise in medication management, evidence-based psychotherapy, and thoughtful, sensitive medication titration. She has particular clinical interest and passion in women’s mental health and trauma-related disorders, striving to support and empower her patients through every stage of their healing journey.
Medical School
Universal College of Medical Sciences, Nepal
Psychiatry Residency Program
Mount Sinai School of Medicine Elmhurst
Program, New York
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Adult Psychiatry
Language spoken
English and Malayalam
Dr. Lynn Alison Bornfriend
Board Certified Psychiatrist with Multiple State Licenses (MD)
Dr Bornfriend is a triple board-certified psychiatrist with 30+ years of experience trained first with four years in adult psychiatry before completing child psychiatry and now she treats both children and adults across Illinois, South Carolina, California, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, New Jersey and Hawaii.
She is passionate about supporting patients dealing with a variety of disorders, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder, separation anxiety, social anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder
- Mood Disorders, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, bipolar affective disorder and cyclothymia
- OCD, body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, excoriation
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Reactive Attachment Disorder, adoption-related issues - PTSD, acute stress disorder, adjustment disorder, prolonged grief disorder
- Oppositional Defiant
- Disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, conduct disorder
- Eating Disorders, Sleep Disorders
- Gender Dysphoria
- Substance Dependence and Abuse
- Psychiatric Disorders Secondary to Medical Illness
Dr Bornfriend considers all symptoms presented through the lens of the individual patient’s developmental stage, while also evaluating the impact of family dynamics, environment, academic experience, and developmental/genetic variants. She understands the shift in the importance of autonomy and self-determination as the child grows towards adulthood, assisting the patient and his/her family with active empathic listening and respectful communication.
She has worked with children and adolescents as well as their families, their schools, and the court systems in a variety of modalities from evaluation and diagnosis, medication management, and individual and family therapies, from a supportive, insight-oriented, and CBT/DBT and other modalities.
Dr Bornfriend’s patients have appreciated her varied experiences and training throughout her career. They appreciate her creativity, her warmth, her humor, her intellectual curiosity, and her ability to connect with a wide variety of patients, despite varied backgrounds and levels of psychological mindedness. She has formed long-term, long-lasting relationships with patients, which have hada dramatic impact on their current life experiences as well as their futures.
Medical School:
Pennsylvania State College of Medicine–Hershey, PA
Psychiatric Residency Program:
Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital–Dallas, TX
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship:
Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital–Dallas, TX
Board Certifications (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology):
Psychiatry; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Forensic Psychiatry
Currently licensed in IL, SC, CA, PA, TN, NJ, and HI.
Schedule an Appointment with one of our Online Psychiatrists
Clinical Services: California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee
Forensic Psychiatry Services: All of the US and Canada
| State | Dr. Beena Saad | Dr. Tony Issac | Dr. Valeria Serban | Dr. Lynn Alison Bornfriend | Dr. Cathy Gomez | Dr. Gundu Reddy | Dr. Suja Raju |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Chicago | – | – | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Florida | – | – | – | – | Yes | Yes | – |
| Long Island | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| New York | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| South Carolina | – | – | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | – | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
Two types of panic attacks
Panic attacks often occur with mental disorders (such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders,substance use disorders) as well as in some medical conditions (such as cardiac, respiratory, vestibular, gastrointestinal). However, the majority of these never meet the criteria for panic disorder.
Having more than one unexpected panic attack may be a sign of panic disorder.
There are two types of panic attacks: Trigger and Spontaneous.
Triggered panic attacks have an obvious cue or Triggered. Triggered panic attacks may be cued by external stressors, such as phobias.
Spontaneous panic attacks are those for which there is no obvious cue or trigger at the time of occurrence (e.g., when relaxing or out of sleep).
What is a
Panic Disorder?
Recurrent spontaneous full-symptom panic attacks are required for a diagnosis of panic disorder. A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, and during which 4 or more of the panic attack symptoms occur.
A full-symptom attack includes at least 4 symptoms. Recurrent means more than one unexpected panic attack. Unexpected refers to a panic attack for which there is no obvious cue or trigger at the time of occurrence. The attack appears to occur out of the blue, such as when the individual is relaxing or emerging from sleep (i.e., nocturnal panic attack).
Diagnostic criteria
The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder. The panic attacks do not occur only in response to feared social situations, like in social anxiety disorder, or in response to circumscribed phobic objects or situations, as in specific phobia, or in response to obsessions, as in obsessive-compulsive disorder, or response to reminders of traumatic events, like in posttraumatic stress disorder, or in response to separation from attachment figures, like in separation anxiety disorder.
The Diagnostic Criteria for a Panic Disorder requires:
- Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with four or more of the 13 physical and cognitive symptoms.
- At least one of the attacks to be followed by one or more months of one or both of the following:
- Persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks and/or their consequences, such as losing control or having a heart attack
- A significant maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks and to avoid having panic attacks, such as avoidance of exercise or unfamiliar situations.
- The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance such as alcohol or drug abuse or medication, or another medical condition like hyperthyroidism or cardiopulmonary disorders.
amazing. Just an overall great experience. Thank you so much, Dr. Lynn!
diagnosis, and gave me options for meds
best help her client. Thank you Dr. Reddy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference between a Panic Attack and Panic Disorder?
A panic attack is a single episode, which can be expected or unexpected. A panic disorder is a specific disorder that comprises recurrent episodes of unexpected full-symptom panic attacks. Some individuals may have both expected and unexpected panic attacks. Therefore, the presence of expected panic attacks does not rule out the diagnosis of panic disorder.
Individuals, with a social anxiety disorder, who have panic attacks are typically concerned about the fear of negative evaluation, whereas in a panic disorder the concern is about the panic attacks themselves.
Panic attacks that occur as a symptom of other anxiety disorders are expected and therefore not diagnosed as panic disorder. In cases where panic attacks can occur in the context of any anxiety disorder as well as other mental disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder) and some medical conditions (e.g., cardiac, gastrointestinal), they are noted as a specifier (e.g., “posttraumatic stress disorder with panic attacks”).
For panic disorder, the presence of an unexpected panic attack is contained within the criteria for the disorder and so the panic attacks are not identified separately.
What is the Difference between a Panic Attack and Anxiety?
Panic attacks can be diagnosed with DSM-5 specific criteria. Anxiety attacks aren’t recognized in the DSM-5 but anxiety is defined as a common feature of psychiatric disorders. Symptoms of anxiety include worry, distress, and fear.
The main difference between a panic attack and ongoing anxiety is it’s time to peak intensity. A panic attack, which arises suddenly from either an anxious state or a calm state, reaches peak intensity within a few minutes. Panic attacks appear abruptly, are discrete, and typically have a greater severity. Anxiety gradually becomes more intense over minutes, hours, or days and can prevail for long periods. It is usually related to the anticipation of a stressful situation, experience, or event.
What happens to my body when I am having a Panic Attack?
Your body may experience sweating, trembling, shaking, feeling choked, shortness of breath, fastened heartbeat or palpitations, extreme chills or heat flashes, feeling dizzy, nausea, fatigue, weakness, confusion, inability to concentrate, lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, muscle pains or spasms, abdominal pain, heartburn, chest pain, tingling or numbing sensations, loss of consciousness, loss or bladder or bowel control, vertigo, slurred speech, blurred vision, and other extreme physical discomforts.
When you have a panic attack, your rate, and pattern of breathing change. It becomes rapid and slow causing hyperventilation and physical discomfort. Your eyes dilate, sweat glands perspire, mouth dries, muscles tense, blood decreases in arms, blood sugar level increases, and heart rate increases. Psychologically, you may feel extreme anxiety or fear of dying or losing control (“going crazy”).
What are the Causes of Panic Attacks?
Triggers or Risks for Panic Attacks are:
- Genetic: a family history of anxiety disorders or depressive illness can lead to an increased risk for panic disorder
- Nutritional deficiencies: B12 or magnesium deficiency and unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive caffeine intake can cause higher chances of panic attacks
- Hormone imbalance: hyperthyroidism, low progesterone, imbalance of serotonin system can cause panic attacks
- Trauma and dysfunctional external environments: extremely stressful experiences, such as childhood abuse, sexual or physical abuse, being made redundant, job loss, divorce, or the death of a family member or friend
- PTSD: Individuals who have experienced trauma live in fear of that trauma happening again. PTSD-related anticipatory anxiety can occur as a symptom of any traumatic experience — a car crash, a mugging, or witnessing a loved one’s death.
- Specific phobias: such as agoraphobia or fear of being in situations when one might not be able to attempt escape.
- Negative affectivity (neuroticism): proneness to experiencing negative emotions
- Substance use such as recreational drugs, marijuana, alcohol (withdrawal).
- Medical conditions: cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and irritable bowel syndrome are also associated with panic disorder.
- Thyroid disease, asthma, and pheochromocytomaare also causes of panic attack.
- Idiopathic the cause is unknown.
Who can get a Panic Attack?
Anyone.
Symptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect more women than men.
Older adults tend to attribute their panic attacks to certain stressful situations, such as a medical procedure or social setting. With situational explanations for the panic attack, they preclude the diagnosis of panic disorder, even if an attack might have been unexpected at the moment. This can result in under-endorsement of unexpected panic attacks and panic disorder in older individuals.
Panic disorder is more common in individuals with other anxiety disorders like agoraphobia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Comorbidity with other anxiety disorders and illness anxiety disorder is common. Panic disorder is also significantly comorbid with numerous general medical symptoms and conditions, including, but not limited to, dizziness, cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, asthma, COPD, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Does everyone who has Panic Attacks also have Agoraphobia?
- In an enclosed space – theatre, meeting room, or small shop
- In an open space – bridge, car park, or large shopping mall
- On public transport – bus, train or plane
- Out of your home alone.
“Agoraphobia can be diagnosed irrespective of the presence of panic disorder. However, not everyone who has panic disorder is diagnosed with agoraphobia.”
When criteria for panic disorder are met, agoraphobia should not be diagnosed if the avoidance behaviors associated with the panic attacks do not extend to avoidance of two or more agoraphobic situations. If the patient’s condition meets the criteria for panic disorder and agoraphobia, both diagnoses are assigned.
“Agoraphobia can be diagnosed irrespective of the presence of panic disorder. However, not everyone who has panic disorder is diagnosed with agoraphobia.”
When criteria for panic disorder are met, agoraphobia should not be diagnosed if the avoidance behaviors associated with the panic attacks do not extend to avoidance of two or more agoraphobic situations. If the patient’s condition meets the criteria for panic disorder and agoraphobia, both diagnoses are assigned.
Can people who get Panic Attacks get PTSD?
Yes. Almost one-third of individuals with panic disorder screen positive for panic-attack-related post-traumatic stress disorder.
Individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders are at greater risk than others for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The panic disorder itself may cause PTSD from panic attacks as patients get anxiety about the panic attacks themselves. Severe symptoms of a panic attack such as difficulty concentrating, trouble managing emotions and moods, restlessness, loss of consciousness, nausea, sleep deprivation, feeling of losing control or “going crazy”, frustration and hopelessness can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anticipatory anxiety from panic attacks.
“The Fear of having a Panic Attack is more Disabling than having a Panic Attack itself.” How to Treat Anticipatory Anxiety?
Anticipatory anxiety is the fear and worry that something bad may happen. With anticipatory anxiety, patients tend to spend a lot of time imagining worst-case scenarios and over-focusing on unwanted outcomes and on things they can’t control or predict.
Anticipatory anxiety isn’t a disorder but rather a symptom. For panic disorder treatment:
How do Panic Attacks affect my Life?
Panic attacks and panic disorder can lower your quality of life and drastically affect your social life, professional ability, and physical well-being as well as incur considerable economic costs.
The anxiety and fear associated with panic attacks can lead to additional mental health disorders (e.g., depression), substance abuse, fears, avoiding duties, social isolation, and problems at school or work. Individuals with panic disorder may be frequently absent from work or school for doctor and emergency room visits. This may lead to unemployment or dropping out of school. Panic attacks can impair caregiving duties in older adults/ parents. Anticipatory anxiety related to panic attacks can become so severe that you avoid certain situations, which could strain your relationships with friends and family.
Panic attacks and anxiety worsen, if left untreated, and are related to a higher rate of suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts (especially in cases with a history of childhood abuse).
How to Diagnose Panic Disorder?
A complete examination by a medical practitioner is required to diagnose panic disorder. This includes a physical exam, blood tests to check thyroid and other possible conditions, ECG or EKG tests on your heart, and a psychological evaluation to discuss your symptoms, fears or concerns, stressful situations, relationship problems, and family history.
Panic disorder is not diagnosed if panic attacks are a direct physiological consequence of another medical condition. Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, pheochromocytoma, vestibular dysfunctions, seizure disorders, and cardiopulmonary conditions (e.g., arrhythmias, supraventricular tachycardia, asthma) can cause panic attacks. Appropriate laboratory tests or physical examinations help determine the etiological role of another medical condition.
Panic disorder is not diagnosed if panic attacks are a direct physiological consequence of a substance. Intoxication with substances or stimulants such as cocaine, caffeine. or cannabis and withdrawal from central nervous system depressants (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates) can trigger a panic attack. However, if panic attacks continue to occur outside of the context of substance use (e.g., long after the effects of intoxication or withdrawal), a diagnosis of panic disorder should be considered.
Panic attacks that occur as a symptom of other mental or anxiety disorders are expected (e.g., triggered by social situations in social anxiety disorder, by phobic objects or situations in specific phobia or agoraphobia, by worry in generalized anxiety disorder, by separation from home or attachment figures in separation anxiety disorder) and therefore do not meet criteria for panic disorder. Only if the individual experiences unexpected panic attacks and shows persistent worry or behavioral change because of the attacks, then an additional diagnosis of panic disorder along with the other anxiety disorder should be considered before proceeding with panic disorder treatment.
Can certain Medications cause Panic Attacks?
Yes, certain medications such as albuterol (asthma inhalers), certain antacids, certain psychiatric medications can trigger panic attacks.
How does this attack affect my Life?
Often patients use marijuana or alcohol to cope with panic attacks, anxiety, and other social anxiety disorders. While alcohol and small doses of marijuana can lessen or reduce anxious thoughts that tend to lead to panic attacks, the use of alcohol and marijuana is only a temporary fix. It stops working once the substance and its effects leave the body. Continuous use of alcohol and marijuana to cope with panic attacks can cause long-term damaging problems.
Some individuals with panic disorder may develop a substance-related disorder, which has resulted from an attempt to treat their anxiety with alcohol or medications.
Note: Smoking is also a triggering risk factor for panic attacks and panic disorder.
Is Panic Attack Treatment possible?
Yes. Panic attacks are treatable and anyone suffering from panic attacks should seek treatment and avoid suffering from panic attacks unnecessarily.
Is Panic Disorder treatment successful?
Yes, panic disorder treatment can reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks and help improve everyday life. If you have panic attacks but not a diagnosed panic disorder, you can still benefit from treatment.
If panic attacks aren’t treated, they can get worse and develop into panic disorder or phobias. If you are suffering from panic attacks, it is recommended to get professional help.
What is the treatment for Panic Attacks?
There are two main types of treatments for panic disorder and/or panic attacks: psychotherapy and medication. One or both types of treatment may be recommended, depending on your preference, your history, the severity of your panic disorder, etc.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an effective first-choice treatment for panic disorder.
A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help you understand panic attacks and what triggers your symptoms, learn how to cope with them and how to change unwanted behavior.
Successful psychotherapy treatment can also assist you in overcoming fears of situations that you have avoided because of panic attacks.
Medication treatment for panic disorder can include either antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.
Medications can help reduce symptoms associated with panic attacks.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6354045/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1444835/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613692/
What are some self-help ways to deal with this disorder?
Some ways you can support your mental wellbeing include:
- Sticking to your treatment plan.
- Eating a healthy diet. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs – all of which can trigger or worsen panic attacks.
- Exercising. Physical activity can have a calming effect on your mood.
- Getting sufficient sleep and joining a support group or seeking out online forums to connect you with others facing similar problems.
- Training in relaxation and stress management techniques. Yoga, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can be helpful.
- Staying connected with family and friends and reaching out for help in an emergency
How much does it cost to see an online psychiatrist at Gaba Telepsychiatry?
Your first online appointment with one of our psychiatrists will cost $400. The follow-up appointments will be $250. If you have out-of-network benefits, we can submit claims on your behalf.
Seeing a psychiatrist online for panic disorder is effective & easy