Overpowering anxiety and fear that causes heart pounding and breathing difficulties may signal a panic disorder. If panic attacks are part of your life, the Team at Thriving Center of Psychology in Midtown, New York, NY, SoHo, NY, Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL, can help you overcome your anxiety. Go to the website or call the offices to schedule your panic disorder assessment and get relief.
Panic Disorder Q & A
What are the symptoms of panic disorder?
When you have panic disorder, it sometimes feels like the whole world is crashing down around you. When left untreated, this condition can lead to life-altering physical and mental problems. During panic attacks, you might experience:
- Forceful, rapid heart pounding
- Intense worry or fear
- Breathing difficulties
- Excessive sweating
- Tingling or numbness in your arms or legs
- Fainting or dizzy spells
- Chest pain or tightness
People with panic disorder often avoid situations or locations where they have had panic attacks in the past, however minor they might have seemed. Nevertheless, any of these symptoms can interfere with everyday living and require mental health care.
Why do I have panic disorder?
Some sufferers have a clear idea of why they might suffer panic attacks. Others might need therapy to uncover the causes. In any case, panic disorder might be due to any of the following:
- History of abuse or trauma
- Significant life stress
- Family history of panic disorder
- Atypical changes in your brain function
Certain behaviors, such as smoking or consuming too much caffeine, can also trigger anxiety and increase your risk for panic disorder.
People can develop panic disorder at any age, but most symptoms emerge in the late teens or early adulthood. This disorder tends to affect women more than men. The therapists and psychologists at Thriving Center of Psychology can help, no matter the cause of your panic disorder.
How is panic disorder treated?
The severity of your panic attacks, symptoms, and causes will determine the kind of treatment you’ll receive. At Thriving Center of Psychology, your provider will talk with you at length to understand the origins and nature of your panic disorder. Also, you’ll work together to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
As part of your panic disorder treatment plan, your practitioner may recommend one or more of the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group or couples therapy
- Online video TeleTherapy
- Neurofeedback (electroencephalographic or EEG biofeedback)
- Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET)
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Meditation techniques
- Life coaching
Your Thriving Center of Psychology therapist or psychologist can help you find ways to anticipate and cope with stressors that trigger panic attacks. The ultimate goal of treatment is to improve your overall well-being and enable you to live a fulfilling life, despite living with panic disorder.
Take the first step to overcoming your panic disorder. Call today or go online to book an evaluation at Thriving Center of Psychology. You can talk with a provider in person or via video TeleHealth.