Panic Attack Treatment

About Panic attacks

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that can trigger strong physical reactions in response to ordinary situations that present no danger. In most cases, the symptoms of a panic attack will go away within a few moments. These episodes are very common; in fact, nearly 11% of Americans experience a panic attack every year. If you experience regular and unexpected panic attacks, however, you may have a condition known as panic disorder, which may be caused by worrying about having a panic attack.

Common symptoms of a panic attack include:

Fear of losing control
Fear of death or danger
Pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Difficulty breathing
Chills
Nausea
Abdominal pain and cramping
Dizziness
Faintness
Headache

There is no common cause of panic attacks or panic disorder.

Common risk factors for panic attacks include:

- Genetics: If your family has a history of anxiety or panic attacks, you may be more likely to experience them too.

- Stress: Stressful situations may trigger panic attacks.

- Substance abuse: Alcoholism, smoking, drug use, and even excess caffeine intake can trigger the symptoms of a panic attack.

- Mental health issues: Individuals who struggle with depression, or other anxiety disorders may be more likely to experience panic attacks.

While most panic attacks will go away within a few minutes after symptoms begin, recurrent panic attacks can lead to mental and physical complications.

Complications caused by untreated panic attacks include:

Phobias (such as agoraphobia - the fear of places or situations that may cause anxiety)
Substance abuse (such as excessive alcohol use)
Avoidance of social settings/ situations

Many people are embarrassed to seek treatment for panic attacks. With proper treatment, however, most cases of panic disorder and panic attacks are easily treatable.

Treatment Options

Treatment for panic attacks will depend on the severity and regularity of your episodes. Below is a list of common treatment options for panic attacks. During your appointment, talk to your provider about the treatment plan that’s right for you.

Therapy

Psychotherapy is generally recommended as the first option for treating panic attacks. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common form of psychotherapy used for the treatment of panic attacks. CBT can help you learn to cope with stress and anxiety while teaching you how to identify triggers that may cause you to panic. As you begin to develop coping skills and healthy, positive behavioral patterns, your panic attacks may begin to cease.

Medication

Certain prescription medication may be recommended by your health care provider as a supplement to psychotherapy, or if psychotherapy has not effectively reduced the regularity and severity of your panic attacks. Common forms of medication used to treat panic attacks include:

- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRI antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft) have all been approved by the FDA for the treatment of panic attacks and anxiety disorders.

- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks.

Self-care

In addition to therapy and medication, you can use self-care strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of your panic attacks. These methods include:

- Stress management: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help you reduce stress and minimize your risk of panic attacks. Progressive muscle relaxation - or tensing a single muscle and then releasing it - may also be effective at lessening stress.

- Avoid triggers: Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, as these chemicals can cause panic attacks and worsen the symptoms of panic disorder. If you smoke, quit. Nicotine is a common cause of panic attacks.

- Rest: Fatigue and exhaustion can worsen the symptoms of panic attacks or panic disorder. Practice healthy sleep habits to get a good night’s rest so you don’t feel drowsy or tired during the day.

Abdelrahim Abu-Shtaiah, APRNOnline mental health consult

Ketan Desai, MD-APOnline mental health consult

Dr. Noor Amin, MDOnline mental health consult

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Dr. Ifeoma Ogbonna, MDOnline mental health consult

Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MDOnline mental health consult

Dr. Michael Mascia, MDOnline mental health consult

Walter Sposkoski, LCSWOnline therapy session (new patient)

Colleen Gensemer, LPCOnline therapy session (new patient)

Abdelrahim Abu-Shtaiah, APRNOnline therapy session (new patient)

Sherry Green, LMSWOnline therapy session (new patient)

Kia Everett, LPCOnline therapy session (new patient)

Marcia Starkman, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse SpecialistOnline therapy session (new patient)

Dr. Chinedu Ngwudike, MDOnline mental health consult

Dalton Rumfield, LPCOnline therapy session (new patient)

Hollie O'Keefe, LPCOnline therapy session (new patient)

Diana Larisgoitia, LPCOnline therapy session (new patient)

Tia Jones Medine, LCSWOnline therapy session (new patient)

Kyle Walsh, LPCOnline therapy session (new patient)

Kristen English, PSYDOnline therapy session (new patient)

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Tanesha Townsell, LPCOnline therapy session (new patient)

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About Panic attacks

Common symptoms of a panic attack include:

Common risk factors for panic attacks include:

Complications caused by untreated panic attacks include: