Panic Attack and Panic Disorder Treatment in Glendale, Arizona
Shamlock Behavioral Health provides panic attack and panic disorder treatment in Glendale, and throughout Arizona, led by Dr. Kerubo Nyachieo, PhD, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Treatment & care include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, and ongoing psychiatric care based on your symptoms and clinical needs.
Panic attacks can happen suddenly and feel overwhelming. You may experience intense fear, a racing heart, chest discomfort, dizziness, shortness of breath, shaking, or a feeling that something terrible is about to happen. When these episodes keep returning or begin affecting how you work, travel, sleep, or socialize, it may be time to seek professional care.
What Is the Difference Between a Panic Attack and Panic Disorder?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort. Panic disorder is a mental health condition involving recurrent, often unexpected panic attacks and ongoing concern or behavioral changes related to having another attack. A person can have a panic attack without having panic disorder. For example, one panic attack during a stressful period does not automatically mean you have panic disorder.
Panic disorder becomes more concerning when attacks keep happening and you begin worrying about the next one, avoiding certain situations, or changing your daily routine because of the fear of another attack.
Panic Attack Symptoms
A panic attack can cause a sudden wave of intense fear or discomfort along with strong physical and emotional symptoms. Common panic attack symptoms include:
- Sudden intense fear or panic
- Racing or pounding heart
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling unable to breathe normally
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shaking or trembling
- Sweating
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Chills or hot flashes
- Numbness or tingling
- Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of dying
- A strong feeling that something is seriously wrong
“I Think I Had a Panic Attack”
If you suddenly experienced intense fear along with a racing heart, chest discomfort, shaking, dizziness, or shortness of breath, you may wonder whether it was a panic attack. A first episode can be especially frightening because you may not know what is happening.
Panic symptoms can also overlap with anxiety and some physical health conditions. A professional evaluation can help determine what may be causing your symptoms.
Panic Attacks at Night
Nocturnal panic attacks can wake you from sleep with sudden fear and intense physical symptoms. You may wake up from a racing hear, shortness of breath, sweating or shaking, sudden intense fear, chest discomfort, or a feeling that something is seriously wrong.
Nighttime panic attacks can make you afraid to go back to sleep. Repeated episodes may also create anxiety about having another attack during the night./
When Panic Attacks Become Panic Disorder
Panic attacks may become part of panic disorder when they keep recurring and create ongoing fear or changes in your behavior. People begin worrying constantly about another attack, monitoring their heart rate or other body sensations, avoiding driving, traveling, going to crowded or public places, staying close to places where they feel safe, or avoiding being alone.
Over time, avoidance can interfere with work, relationships, travel, and everyday activities and thus need to be treated.
Panic Attack and Panic Disorder Evaluation
A panic disorder evaluation looks at your attacks, symptoms, triggers, and the changes you have made because of them. Dr. Kerubo may discuss:
- When your panic attacks started
- How often they occur
- How long they last
- The physical and emotional symptoms you experience
- Whether attacks happen unexpectedly
- Situations that trigger or worsen symptoms
- Fear of having another attack
- Avoidance behaviors
- Sleep and daily functioning
- Previous mental health treatment
- Current and past medications
- Other mental health symptoms
Panic symptoms can overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma, and some physical health conditions. A complete evaluation helps clarify the symptoms that need attention and the appropriate treatment approach.
Panic Attack and Panic Disorder Treatment in Arizona
Panic disorder treatment focuses on reducing recurrent panic attacks, lowering fear between attacks, and helping you return to normal daily activities. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Attacks
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an established treatment approach for panic attacks and panic disorder. CBT can help you understand the connection between physical sensations, thoughts, fear, and panic.
Treatment may focus on recognizing patterns that increase panic and learning healthier ways to respond to physical sensations and situations that trigger fear.
2. Medication for Panic Disorder
Medication can be part of panic disorder treatment when it is clinically appropriate. Medication management may address recurrent panic attacks, persistent anxiety, and other symptoms that occur with panic disorder.
We will review previous medications, treatment response, side effects, other medications, and your overall mental health needs when developing a medication plan.
2. Panic Control Therapy
Panic control therapy focuses on reducing the fear associated with panic symptoms and helping you respond differently when physical sensations occur. It may involve learning how panic develops, recognizing early signs, and reducing the fear response associated with physical sensations.
The specific therapy approach depends on your symptoms and clinical needs.
Your Panic Disorder Treatment Plan
A panic disorder treatment plan should focus on the symptoms that are affecting your daily life. Your plan may include:
- Adjustments when your symptoms or treatment needs change
- Medication management when appropriate
- Psychotherapy
- CBT for panic attacks
- Support for anxiety or depression
- Strategies for managing panic-related avoidance
- Monitoring your response to treatment
Treating Panic Attacks and Other Mental Health Conditions
Panic attacks can occur alongside other mental health conditions. Understanding these connections can help ensure that important symptoms are not overlooked.
Panic Attacks and Anxiety
Panic attacks can occur with anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder. You may experience persistent worry between attacks or become anxious about having another attack.
Panic Attacks and Depression
Panic disorder and depression can occur together. Repeated panic attacks can affect your work, relationships, sleep, and social life. Avoiding activities because of panic can also contribute to isolation and low mood.
Panic Attacks and ADHD
ADHD and panic attacks can occur in the same person, but they involve different symptoms. ADHD may affect attention, impulsivity, organization, and executive functioning. Panic attacks involve sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort.
Panic Attacks and OCD
OCD and panic attacks can occur together. OCD involves obsessions, compulsions, or both. Panic attacks involve sudden episodes of intense fear or physical discomfort. When both conditions are present, the treatment plan can address the symptoms of each condition.
Panic Attacks While Driving, Working, or in Public
Panic attacks can make ordinary activities such as driving, working, traveling, or being in public places feel unsafe. After an attack, you may begin avoiding the location where it happened. You may also worry about being unable to escape or get help if another attack occurs. This avoidance can gradually restrict your daily activities and make the fear of another panic attack more disruptive
Get Online/In-person Panic Disorder Treatment in Arizona
Shamlock Behavioral Health provides panic attack and panic disorder treatment in Glendale and throughout Arizona. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, and ongoing psychiatric care based on your symptoms. Start wih an evaluation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options related to panic disorders affecting your life.