Panic Disorders in Plano, TX

If you have a panic attack, that does not necessarily mean you have a panic disorder.

A panic disorder is considered if:

• you have frequent, unexpected panic attacks
• there is an excessive worry for a month or longer about another attack and a debilitating fear
• the attacks are not connected with another mental health condition or substance use

These criteria are determined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Keep in mind if you have occasional panic attacks but not a diagnosed panic disorder, you can still benefit from treatment. If your panic attacks aren’t treated, they can get worse and develop into panic disorder or phobias.

At Friedman Psychiatry, we offer individualized therapy for panic disorder. Panic disorders may be extremely crippling and have an impact on many facets of a person’s life. Our commitment is to assist patients in overcoming the obstacles posed by panic disorder and leading satisfying lives. To address the underlying causes of panic disorder, we employ evidence-based therapy techniques and offer specialized care that is catered to the particular requirements of each patient. Call our clinic at (972) 905-1597 to schedule an appointment.

What are the Symptoms of a Panic Attack?

Diagnosis may be difficult because symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath also are associated with potentially serious conditions.

If you have a panic attack, there is a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort. You may experience four or more of the following symptoms occur abruptly:

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
• Feeling of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
• Feelings of unreality or detached from self
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of dying
• Numbness or tingling
• Chills or hot flushes

What are the Benefits of Panic Disorder Treatment?

Panic disorder treatment can benefit those who want to function in everyday life. If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, you are putting your health at risk due to your mental state. Getting help can reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks.

Treatment for panic disorders may include:

Psychotherapy or Talk Therapy

Working with a trained therapist to manage your panic disorder can help uncover the reasons behind your panic attacks and help you learn how to cope with them.

Psychotherapy may include cognitive behavior therapy which helps you learn the connection between your thoughts and your behaviors and how to modify these thoughts to improve your outcomes. For example, if you feel thoughts coming on that trigger anxiety or stress, your therapist can help teach you how to work through these thoughts and feelings to help avoid a panic attack. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy in treating panic disorder.

Successful treatment can also help you so you can learn how to manage fear. If you are avoiding work, relationships, or situations because of fear of a panic attack, your therapist can help you navigate these situations.

Therapy for panic disorders can help improve outcomes within weeks or months, depending on the level of severity of your condition. You can work with your therapist to find the right approach for you.

Medications

Some people find medications help to manage panic disorders. Often, panic attacks can be triggered by depression or anxiety, so certain medications may prove helpful to manage symptoms.

Medications to help you treat panic disorders may include

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants usually recommended for panic disorders. Examples include Prozac, Paxil, Pexeva, and Zoloft.
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another class of antidepressants. The SNRI venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is FDA-approved for the treatment of panic disorder.
• Benzodiazepines are sedatives and central nervous system depressants and are usually for the short term. Those approved by the FDA for the treatment of panic disorder include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin).
• According to research in the American Family Physician, antidepressant medications successfully reduce the severity of panic symptoms and eliminate panic attacks.

Your doctor can help you decide if you would benefit from psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.

How Can I Get Help with Panic Disorders?

If you suffer from frequent panic attacks and are diagnosed with a panic disorder, it is important to seek treatment so you can function in your everyday life. Living in intense fear can get in the way of your relationships, daily tasks, or overall life goals. We are specially trained to help you get the care you need. Friedman Psychiatry can help you find the right combination of psychotherapy or medical treatment to help eliminate or reduce your panic attacks. Give us a call at (972) 905-1597 today!