What Are Panic Disorders?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes and are often accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms. At Empire State Psychiatry in New York City, our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to diagnosing and treating panic disorder with a comprehensive, personalized approach that addresses the unique needs of each patient.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Panic Disorders?
Panic attacks are the hallmark feature of panic disorder. During an attack, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or a sensation of smothering
- Feelings of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
- Chills or heat sensations
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
These symptoms can be terrifying and may lead individuals to believe they are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, such as a heart attack. However, while panic attacks are distressing, they are not dangerous.
What Are The Risk Factors of Panic Disorders?
The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors associated with the development of panic disorder include:
- Family history of panic disorder or other anxiety disorders
- Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one
- Traumatic events, such as physical or sexual abuse
- Significant life changes, such as a divorce or job loss
- History of childhood abuse or neglect
- Smoking or excessive caffeine intake
Research also suggests that abnormalities in brain areas involved in fear response and the regulation of emotion may play a role in the development of panic disorder.
How Are Panic Disorders Diagnosed?
To diagnose panic disorder, mental health professionals at Empire State Psychiatry assess the frequency and nature of the panic attacks. For a diagnosis of panic disorder, the attacks must be recurrent and unexpected, and at least one of the attacks must be followed by one month (or more) of persistent concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications of the attack, or significant behavioral changes related to the attacks.
Additionally, panic disorder is often accompanied by agoraphobia, a condition characterized by the fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if a panic attack occurs. This can lead individuals to avoid certain places or situations, significantly impacting their daily lives.
What Are Possible Treatments For Panic Disorders?
MEDICATION FOR PANIC DISORDERS
Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear and discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. These episodes can be profoundly distressing, leading to a significant impact on daily life. At Empire State Psychiatry, located in the heart of New York City, we understand the debilitating nature of panic disorders and are committed to providing evidence-based treatment options to help individuals regain control over their lives. One of the primary approaches to managing panic disorder is with medication.
Types of medications for panic disorder
The treatment of panic disorder often involves the use of medications that can help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks and manage associated symptoms such as anxiety and fear. The most prescribed classes of medications include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are often considered the first-line treatment for panic disorder. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, in the brain. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil). SSRIs are generally well-tolerated and effective in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs, like SSRIs, influence neurotransmitters in the brain but specifically target both serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications, such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR), are also used to treat panic disorder and can be particularly helpful for individuals who do not respond well to SSRIs.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medications that are effective in reducing acute anxiety and panic symptoms. Common examples include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). While effective, benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and potential withdrawal symptoms. They are often used in combination with SSRIs or SNRIs during the initial stages of treatment.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil), are older antidepressants that can be effective in treating panic disorder. Though less commonly used today due to their side effect profile, they remain an option for individuals who do not respond to SSRIs or SNRIs.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs, such as phenelzine (Nardil), are another class of older antidepressants that can be used to treat panic disorder. However, due to their interaction with certain foods and medications, as well as their side effects, they are generally reserved for treatment-resistant cases.
How medications are used in treating panic disorders
The choice of medication for panic disorder is individualized, based on the patient’s specific symptoms, medical history, and response to previous treatments. At Empire State Psychiatry, our team of experienced psychiatrists works closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage.
THERAPY FOR PANIC DISORDERS
Understanding panic disorders
Panic disorders often develop without a clear trigger, making them unpredictable and frightening. The fear of having another panic attack can lead to avoidance behaviors, where individuals begin to avoid certain places or situations where they fear an attack might occur. Over time, this can severely limit a person’s ability to engage in normal activities, affecting their quality of life and mental well-being.
Therapy for panic disorders
At Empire State Psychiatry, therapy for panic disorders is grounded in evidence-based practices designed to address the underlying causes of panic attacks and equip patients with effective coping strategies. The goal is to reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, helping patients regain control over their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for panic disorders. CBT helps patients identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their anxiety and panic attacks. By learning to reframe these thoughts and develop healthier responses, patients can reduce the intensity of their panic symptoms. CBT also includes exposure therapy, where patients are gradually exposed to the situations they fear, in a controlled and supportive environment, helping them build confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy focuses on helping patients stay present in the moment, reducing the tendency to catastrophize or worry about future panic attacks. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises can help patients manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks and reduce overall anxiety levels. This approach encourages patients to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, fostering a sense of calm and control.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages patients to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them. By focusing on their values and what they want to achieve in life, patients learn to commit to actions that align with those values, even in the presence of anxiety. ACT helps patients develop psychological flexibility, allowing them to live a more fulfilling life despite the challenges of panic disorder.
Psychodynamic Therapy
For some patients, panic disorder may be rooted in unresolved conflicts or past traumas. Psychodynamic therapy explores these underlying issues, helping patients gain insight into the emotional and psychological factors contributing to their panic attacks. By addressing these deeper issues, patients can achieve long-term relief from their symptoms.
Personalized care at Empire State Psychiatry
At Empire State Psychiatry, the therapeutic approach is tailored to the unique needs of each patient. The experienced team of psychiatrists and therapists in Midtown Manhattan collaborates closely with patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms, experiences, and goals. This personalized care ensures that therapy is not only effective but also aligned with the patient’s values and lifestyle.
The practice’s commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care means that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments for panic disorders. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, Empire State Psychiatry helps patients build the resilience and skills needed to manage their panic symptoms and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
What Are The Risks If Panic Disorders Are Left Untreated?
Panic disorder can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. The fear of experiencing a panic attack can lead to avoidance behaviors, where individuals may avoid certain places, activities, or situations that they associate with previous attacks. This avoidance can restrict their ability to engage in daily activities, work, and social interactions, leading to increased isolation and distress.
Moreover, the chronic nature of the disorder can contribute to the development of other mental health conditions, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, further complicating the individual’s emotional and psychological well-being.
Schedule a psychiatric consultation.
If you are experiencing panic attacks, intense fear, or overwhelming anxiety, schedule a consultation with the anxiety specialists at Empire State Psychiatry. Widely regarded as one of the top psychiatric practices for panic disorder treatment in New York City, Empire State Psychiatry is committed to delivering expert, patient-centered mental health services. Their office is located in Midtown Manhattan, and they serve patients from the Upper East Side and surrounding New York City neighborhoods.