Panic Disorder Treatment: In-Person & Online

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and is accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms. Panic attacks are not life-threatening, but they can feel overwhelming and frightening.

The first time someone has a panic attack, they often think they are having a heart attack, stroke, or are going to die. In reality, panic attacks are not dangerous, but they can certainly feel that way. Panic attacks can emerge from a calm or an anxious state.

Usually, the worst part of the panic attack resolves within about 30 minutes, but people can feel physical and mental discomfort for many hours after a panic attack. A panic attack involves four or more of the following symptoms, coming to a peak within minutes:

• Pounding heart, palpitations, or fast heart rate
• Sweating
• Shaking or trembling
• Shortness of breath or feeling smothered
• Feelings of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
• Chills or heat sensations
• Numbness or tingling sensations (often in the extremities)
• Things not feeling real, or feeling detached from oneself
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying

As you can see, panic attack symptoms do overlap with serious health concerns such as heart attacks (like chest pain, heart pounding, and tingling in the extremities). Thus, many people go to the hospital the first time they experience a panic attack. Usually, after learning more about panic attacks and receiving treatment (therapy and/or medication), people can learn to manage them without hospital visits.

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing fear of having more attacks. People with panic disorder often worry about when the next attack will happen and may start avoiding places or situations where previous attacks occurred. This can lead to significant disruptions in daily life. Unlike a single panic attack, which can happen to anyone, panic disorder involves a pattern—frequent panic attacks combined with persistent anxiety about them. With the right treatment, including therapy and sometimes medication, many people find relief and regain control over their lives.

How Common are Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder?

Panic attacks are unfortunately common. Every year, over 10% of individuals in the United States experience at least one panic attack. Women are 2 times as likely as men to experience panic attacks. Approximately 2-3% of people meet the full criteria for Panic Disorder.

How Does Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates Treat Panic Disorder?

There are a variety of different ways to treat panic attacks, including therapy and medication management.

Therapy

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating panic attacks, but therapy can offer several helpful strategies:

• A provider may start with psychoeducation—teaching the patient what panic attacks are and why they happen—which can help reduce fear and increase a sense of control.
• Breathing techniques and grounding exercises are often used to ease symptoms in the moment.
• For some people, unhelpful thought patterns may be contributing to panic, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help reframe these thoughts.
• Therapists may also look at lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, and hydration, since poor self-care can increase vulnerability to panic.
• In some cases, exposure therapy is recommended. This involves gradually and safely facing panic triggers to reduce fear over time. Sometimes the exposure is to the physical sensations themselves—like dizziness or a racing heart—helping the patient learn that these symptoms, while uncomfortable, aren’t dangerous.

Psychotherapy for panic attacks and panic disorders is available both at our in-office locations and virtually to most states in the US by Rittenhouse providers.

Medication Management

Psychiatric medication management can be a useful part of treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder. A medication provider may suggest that the patient take an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). These medications help serotonin levels in the brain, which often mitigate or eliminate panic.

Appropriate patients may be offered to take benzodiazepines, which are taken as needed when a patient has a panic attack. Some patients can recognize some triggers and signs ahead of panic, so the as-needed medicine can be taken a little ahead of a full panic attack. This may be before a presentation, a plane ride, or during an extremely stressful day in which the anxiety level is building and building).

Panic Disorder Medication Management Available in these States:

• California
• Delaware
• Florida
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• US Virgin Islands

When Should I Get Help for Panic Attacks?

We recommend that individuals schedule a psychiatric evaluation for Panic and/or Panic Attack Disorder if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• Avoidance of situations due to panic symptoms
• Panic symptoms interfering with academic or occupational life
• Panic symptoms interfering with social life or relationships
• Panic and anxiety affecting sleep, energy, focus, or appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Subjective high levels of anxiety or stress.
• Crying episodes
• If one is utilizing poor coping mechanisms (alcohol or substance use, gambling, self-harm) in an attempt to cope with panic symptoms or fear of panic attacks.
• Suicidal thoughts

If you have suicidal thoughts, call 911 or 988. Do not wait for an appointment.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates In-Person Panic Disorder Treatment Locations

• Wilmington, DE
• Collingswood, NJ
• Manhattan, NY
• Center Valley, PA
• Paoli, PA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Pittsburgh, PA

Start Your Panic Disorder Treatment with Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates Today

At Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, we provide exceptional Panic Disorder treatment through our team of highly qualified professionals and patient-centered approach, including:

• Comprehensive Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis via detailed evaluations.
• Personalized Treatment: Tailored care plans for every patient’s unique needs.
• Board-Certified Professionals: Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
• Highly Qualified Therapists: Licensed and Doctoral-Level Psychologists.
• Academic Excellence: We have providers with teaching experience at renowned institutions such as Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania.
• Comprehensive Care: Expertise in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Accessible Appointments: Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• Flexible Options: In-office and online virtual appointments.
• Inclusive Environment: Our providers are welcoming to all individuals.

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