If your heart suddenly races, your chest tightens, and you feel an overwhelming sense of dread—for no obvious reason—you’re not alone. These moments can be terrifying, especially when they happen out of the blue. You might wonder if something’s wrong with your body, if you’re losing control, or if you’re in real danger. What you might actually be experiencing are panic attacks, and when they happen frequently or disrupt your life, it could be a sign of panic disorder.
At Peak Behavioral Health, we understand how overwhelming this can feel. But we want you to know: panic disorder is treatable. With the right support, you can take back control of your life and find relief from the fear that’s been holding you back.
Understanding Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder marked by repeated and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that often come out of nowhere and trigger powerful physical symptoms—such as a racing heart, chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. The sensations can be so overwhelming that many people believe they’re experiencing a heart attack or a life-threatening medical emergency.
What sets panic disorder apart from an occasional panic attack is how often the attacks happen and the lasting fear they create. If you live in constant worry about when the next attack will strike, begin avoiding certain places or situations, or feel like your daily life is being controlled by that fear, you may be dealing with panic disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH),
- An estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults experienced panic disorder in the past year.
- The condition affects more women (3.8%) than men (1.6%) over a one-year period.
- Roughly 4.7% of U.S. adults will experience panic disorder at some point in their lives.
Panic disorder can be isolating, but support is within reach—and with the right treatment, things can get better.
The Difference Between Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
You can have a panic attack without having panic disorder. Many people experience at least one panic attack in their lifetime, often during periods of high stress. Specific situations can trigger panic attacks or can happen seemingly out of nowhere.
Panic disorder, on the other hand, involves:
- Recurring panic attacks that happen unexpectedly
- Persistent worry about future attacks
- Avoidance behaviors, like skipping social events or staying close to home to prevent another episode
If panic attacks are interfering with your ability to live freely, it may be time to seek professional support.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can be intense, frightening, and draining. While the symptoms vary from person to person, they often include:
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Sweating or chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Numbness or tingling
- Feeling detached from reality or yourself
- Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying
These symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes, but can feel much longer when you’re in the moment. Afterward, you might feel completely exhausted or even ashamed, which can make you want to avoid situations that could trigger another attack.
Factors that Cause Panic Disorder
There isn’t a single cause of panic disorder, but several factors may contribute:
- Genetics. If a close family member has panic disorder or another anxiety condition, your risk may be higher.
- Brain chemistry. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine may play a role.
- Major stress or trauma. A significant life change, accident, or loss can trigger the onset.
- Personality traits. People who are more sensitive to stress or prone to negative emotions may be more vulnerable.
Why Early Diagnosis and Treatment Matter
Panic disorder doesn’t just affect your mental well-being—it can limit your world. You might start avoiding crowded places, driving, traveling, or even going to work or school. Over time, this fear can shrink your life down to a narrow, lonely space.
The earlier the panic disorder is recognized and treated, the better the outcome. Without treatment, panic disorder can lead to:
- Depression
- Substance use as a way to cope
- Agoraphobia (fear of leaving a safe space)
- Social isolation
How Panic Disorder Is Treated
The good news is that panic disorder responds very well to treatment. With the right support, most people experience significant improvement. Some of the most effective approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is one of the most successful treatments for panic disorder. This form of therapy helps you understand the patterns of fear and anxiety that fuel your panic attacks and teaches you how to challenge those thoughts. Over time, you’ll learn how to respond to fear calmly and clearly instead of panicking.
- Medication. In some cases, medications can help reduce the frequency or severity of panic attacks. Antidepressants (like SSRIs) and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Exposure therapy. This involves gradually and safely facing the situations or physical sensations you’ve been avoiding. With exposure therapy, you can learn how to retrain your brain to stop associating those triggers with danger.
- Lifestyle support. Sleep, nutrition, and regular physical activity all play an important role in managing anxiety. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and stress-reduction techniques can also make a big difference.
You Don’t Have to Live in Fear
If panic attacks have started taking over your life, you might feel powerless. You may have started avoiding people, places, or opportunities that used to bring you joy. But you are not alone. At Peak Behavioral Health in Santa Teresa, NM, we offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment in a supportive environment. Whether you need inpatient care, outpatient therapy, or a comprehensive evaluation, our team is here to help you feel safe again. Contact us today to learn more.
