Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a common mental health condition that affects people of all ages and causes them to have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Akwetey Akrong, PMHNP-BC, at Reverence Behavioral Health Services in Oak Brook, Illinois, specializes in diagnosing and treating panic disorder. For compassionate care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a panic disorder?

A panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes unexpected panic attacks. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations. And, in some situations, your anxiety may be severe enough to cause you to feel panicky. 

With a panic disorder, however, the anxiety and fear happen at any time, often without an underlying cause. These attacks may be so scary and unexpected that you may constantly worry about your next attack, limiting your activities to prevent them.

You’re at greater risk of developing a panic disorder if anxiety disorders run in your family or you have other mental health conditions, such as depression.

What are the symptoms of a panic disorder?

Anxiety and panic attacks are the common symptoms of a panic disorder. Anxiety causes feelings of fear and worry. Panic is the most severe symptom of anxiety.

A panic attack causes intense feelings of fear and worry. These attacks occur suddenly and unexpectedly, and there’s nothing you can do to stop them once they start. 

During these attacks, you have physical and mental symptoms such as:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Feeling of intense doom
• Feeling like you’re no longer connected to your body

These attacks may last 5-20 minutes and may occur once a month or several times a week.

How is a panic disorder diagnosed?

When you visit Reverence Behavioral Health Services with concerns about anxiety and panic attacks, the team conducts a thorough exam to fully understand your mental health needs.

First, you and the team talk and get to know each other. Then, the team asks questions about your symptoms and your medical, mental health, and family history.

They may diagnose you with a panic disorder if you have repeated panic attacks, you constantly worry about your next attack, and you’ve changed your routine to avoid situations that may trigger an attack.

How is panic disorder treated?

The compassionate team customizes your treatment plan to best meet your needs. Treatment for a panic disorder may include psychotherapy, medication, or both. Reverence Behavioral Health Services provides:

• Medication management
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Ketamine therapy

They work with you, helping you gain control over your anxiety and your panic attacks so you can get back to living your life.

For help with a panic disorder, call Reverence Behavioral Health Services or schedule an appointment online today.