Panic Disorder
Mental Health Care in Wilmington, DE
Panic disorder affects about 3% of adults in the United States. If a racing heart, shortness of breath, or a sudden feeling that something is seriously wrong is part of your routine, panic disorder (panic attacks) may be to blame. The good news is that panic disorder is treatable, and the right support can make a major difference. See Vida Adansi, LCP, Adekunle Gbadamosi, MD, and the team at Integrated Health & Wellness Services, based in Wilmington, Delaware, for a personalized treatment plan. Call the office or request one online today.
Panic Disorder FAQ's
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks — periods of intense fear despite no danger being present. These attacks can appear suddenly and feel overwhelming.
Panic disorder might also cause constant worry about when the next panic attack may strike. If you’re regularly experiencing extreme panic and need relief, see the compassionate experts at Integrated Health & Wellness Services to ease your anxiety.
What are the symptoms of panic disorder?
Panic disorder can cause repeated panic attacks, which might appear as:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness
- Pounding heartbeat
- Heart attack-like feeling
- Discomfort
- Loss of control
- Intense fear
- Avoiding situations that may cause panic
- Trembling
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain
- Feeling like you’re choking
Some people only have one or two panic attacks during their lifetime and feel better without treatment, while others experience repeated attacks that become disabling.
Panic attacks may appear as often as several times daily and contribute to anxiousness, depression, or even substance misuse.
What are the risk factors of panic disorder?
Anyone can develop panic attacks and panic disorder, but potential risk factors can include:
- Genetics
- Having a family member with panic disorder
- Brain chemistry changes
- Being female
- Trauma
- Stress
- Another anxiety disorder
- Depression
The exact cause of panic disorder isn’t fully understood. It often appears during the late teenage years or early adulthood. A panic attack might last just a few minutes up to an hour, and sometimes longer.
How is panic disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosing panic disorder requires a psychiatric evaluation and sometimes DNA testing to learn which medications may be the most effective based on your genes.
Using DSM-5 criteria, the Integrated Health & Wellness Services experts discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and current medications to create an appropriate treatment plan.
How is panic disorder treated?
Treating panic disorder might consist of:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Exposure therapy
- Counseling
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication management
- Stress management
- Lifestyle changes
It’s often helpful to minimize or avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. It’s also important to eat balanced meals, get enough sleep, and stay active. Manage stress by trying meditation, deep breathing, yoga, massage, or outdoor walks.
Follow up with the Integrated Health & Wellness Services team to ensure long-lasting results, including a better quality of life.
Schedule an in-person or virtual panic disorder evaluation at Integrated Health & Wellness Services by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.