It starts with a racing heart, chest tightness, dizziness, and the terrifying feeling that something is very wrong—or even that you might be dying. These intense, sudden episodes are known as panic attacks, and for people with panic disorder, they can strike without warning and create long-term fear of recurrence.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), panic disorder affects approximately 2–3% of Americans each year. While occasional anxiety is part of life, panic disorder is a recognized medical condition—and it’s treatable.
At Insightful Psychiatry, we specialize in helping individuals manage panic disorder through expert medication management. Our compassionate, evidence-based care helps patients reclaim peace of mind and break free from the cycle of fear.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated panic attacks. These episodes are sudden surges of overwhelming fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes and are often accompanied by intense physical symptoms.
Many people experience a panic attack once or twice in life. But with panic disorder, these attacks happen repeatedly and cause lasting anxiety about when the next one will occur. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors, isolation, or even agoraphobia—a fear of being in places where escape might be difficult.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Panic attacks can mimic symptoms of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, which is why many people with panic disorder frequently visit emergency rooms before receiving a correct diagnosis.
Common physical and emotional symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling or shaking
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Chills or hot flashes
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling of choking
- Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying
- Numbness or tingling sensations
According to MentalHealth.gov, at least four of these symptoms typically occur during a panic attack.
What Causes Panic Disorder?
The exact cause of panic disorder isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe it stems from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Some contributing factors include:
- A family history of anxiety or panic disorders
- Major life stressors (e.g., job loss, divorce, trauma)
- Underlying mental health conditions like depression or PTSD
- Abnormal brain activity or neurotransmitter imbalances
- Substance abuse or medication side effects
Environmental factors such as childhood adversity or ongoing stress can also increase susceptibility. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that untreated panic disorder can escalate into other complications, such as social withdrawal or substance misuse.
Diagnosis: How Panic Disorder Is Identified
Diagnosing panic disorder requires a detailed clinical evaluation. At Insightful Psychiatry, our psychiatric nurse practitioners begin with a comprehensive assessment, which may include:
- A full review of symptoms and medical history
- Rule-outs for heart, thyroid, or respiratory conditions
- Screening for co-occurring disorders like anxiety or bipolar disorder
- An analysis of frequency, intensity, and impact of episodes
The key diagnostic criteria, according to the DSM-5, include recurring panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent worry or behavioral changes related to the attacks.
How Is Panic Disorder Treated?
The good news: panic disorder is highly treatable, especially with professional guidance and consistent care. While therapy is beneficial, medication management is often the most effective first-line treatment, particularly for those experiencing frequent or severe attacks.
At Insightful Psychiatry, we focus on medication-based care—led by our experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs). Our providers help stabilize symptoms through carefully selected medications, while monitoring progress and making tailored adjustments.
Common Medications Prescribed:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): First-line treatment to reduce frequency and intensity of panic attacks
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Helpful for anxiety-related symptoms
- Benzodiazepines: Fast-acting relief for acute panic episodes (used with caution for short-term use)
- Beta-blockers: May help with physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or tremors
Each patient responds differently, so our NPs work closely with you to adjust dosage, minimize side effects, and track overall progress. While psychiatrists may offer both therapy and medication, our NPs specialize in medication management only, ensuring focused and expert prescribing.
Lifestyle Tips to Support Recovery
In addition to medication, everyday practices can help reduce panic symptoms and support emotional resilience. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) recommends integrating the following:
- Deep breathing and grounding exercises during high-stress moments
- Regular aerobic exercise, which helps regulate the nervous system
- Mindfulness and meditation, which promote present-moment awareness
- Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can trigger symptoms
- Consistent sleep routines, which reduce vulnerability to anxiety
Building a support network of family, friends, or a peer group can also make a big difference.
When to Seek Help
If panic attacks are disrupting your life, interfering with your work, or causing you to avoid certain places or activities, it’s time to seek professional support. Many individuals live with panic disorder for years before getting diagnosed—but early treatment leads to better outcomes.
Whether you’re experiencing your first attack or have been battling symptoms for months, Insightful Psychiatry offers personalized care that meets you where you are.
How Insightful Psychiatry Can Help
At Insightful Psychiatry, we provide expert, medication-based treatment for panic disorder and related mental health conditions. Our psychiatric nurse practitioners are highly trained in diagnosing and managing panic symptoms, offering a compassionate and collaborative approach to care.
Unlike therapists or psychiatrists, our NPs do not provide talk therapy, but focus entirely on medication management to help reduce symptoms and restore balance. Patients typically refer to our providers by their first name or Mr./Ms. + last name, creating a comfortable, respectful clinical relationship.
We serve clients in Washington, New York, Florida, Maryland, and Colorado, offering both in-person and telepsychiatry appointments for convenience and flexibility.
📞 Ready to regain control? Call us today at (206) 620-1222
📩 Or Contact Insightful Psychiatry to book your first appointment.
You don’t have to live in fear. Relief from panic disorder is possible—with the right support.