Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder
If you’ve ever experienced the sudden onset of overwhelming fear, you know how frightening and confusing it can be.
Panic attacks can be intense, and while it’s natural to feel afraid in certain situations, frequent panic attacks can point to a condition known as Panic Disorder.
The good news is that you don’t have to face this on your own.
With the right support and treatment, you can regain control and feel more at ease.
In this post, we’ll explore what panic attacks and Panic Disorder are, how they differ, and the most effective ways to manage them.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is an intense episode of fear or discomfort that comes on quickly and can be really distressing.
It often peaks within minutes and can happen suddenly, even when you’re not in a particularly stressful situation.
Some common symptoms include:
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Sweating
Shaking or trembling
Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
Chest pain
Nausea
Dizziness or feeling faint
Hot flashes or chills
Numbness or tingling
Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
Fear of dying
While panic attacks can be scary, they don’t always indicate a long-term problem.
Everyone experiences stress or anxiety at times, and a panic attack might happen from time to time.
However, if these attacks happen frequently and start to interfere with your daily life, it could be a sign of Panic Disorder.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic Disorder is when someone experiences frequent, unexpected panic attacks.
The major difference between panic attacks and Panic Disorder is that people with Panic Disorder develop an ongoing fear of experiencing another attack.
This constant fear can make them avoid places or situations where they’ve had attacks before, which can limit their daily life.
According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases), Panic Disorder is diagnosed when:
You have recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.
You constantly worry about having more attacks or change your behavior to avoid situations where attacks have occurred.
This ongoing worry and avoidance can make it harder to engage in regular activities, like going to work, socializing with friends, or even leaving your home.
But, with the right treatment, there is a path toward recovery.
The Difference Between Panic and Panic Disorder
While panic attacks are a normal, temporary response to stress, Panic Disorder is a more persistent condition.
It involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks along with an ongoing fear of having another.
This constant anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors, which can affect your ability to engage in everyday activities.
For example, someone with Panic Disorder might start avoiding crowded places, public transportation, or even social events, worried that another attack might occur.
Over time, this avoidance can increase isolation and make it even harder to function normally.
How Panic Disorder Affects Daily Life
Living with Panic Disorder can be incredibly challenging.
You might start skipping work or school, canceling social plans, or avoiding activities you once enjoyed, all because you’re afraid of having another panic attack.
This can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, making it harder to maintain relationships or find joy in the things you used to love.
In more severe cases, Panic Disorder can lead to agoraphobia, where individuals feel they can’t leave their homes due to the fear of having a panic attack in public.
This can severely limit your ability to engage in everyday activities, like shopping, visiting friends, or attending family gatherings.
Effective Treatments for Panic Disorder
The good news is that Panic Disorder is treatable, and there are many effective treatment options.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the following approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for Panic Disorder. It helps individuals identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their panic attacks.
CBT also teaches valuable techniques for managing anxiety and preventing future attacks, allowing you to regain control of your life.
According to a study by Hofmann et al. (2012), CBT has been shown to significantly reduce panic symptoms, with lasting effects.
The research demonstrated that patients who underwent CBT had improvements in both the frequency and severity of their panic attacks, as well as a reduction in overall anxiety levels.
This evidence shows that CBT can provide lasting relief and help people feel more in control of their emotions and behavior.
Medication
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications like antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs) to reduce anxiety and panic symptoms. Short-term medications such as benzodiazepines may also be used to help calm a panic attack in the moment, but these are generally not recommended for long-term use.
If you're considering medication, It’s important to consult your GP or psychiatrist to find the right medication for you. They can help determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Self-Help and Lifestyle Changes
NICE also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes for managing Panic Disorder. Regular exercise, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, and ensuring you get enough sleep can make a significant difference. Reducing caffeine intake and learning to manage stress can also be very helpful in preventing panic attacks.
Panic Disorder Doesn’t Have to Control Your Life
It’s important to know that Panic Disorder is treatable. With the right tools and support, you can regain control of your life and reduce the impact of panic attacks. While it can be overwhelming, recovery is possible. Whether you're struggling with occasional panic attacks or more frequent episodes, there are effective treatments available. You don’t have to face it alone—help is here, and you can take steps toward a calmer, more balanced life.
How Shenwise Can Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by panic attacks or have been struggling with Panic Disorder, know that Shenwise is here to support you.
Whether this is your first experience with panic or you've been dealing with it for some time, we offer a compassionate and safe space for you to begin your healing journey.
Our team is dedicated to helping you understand your symptoms, build confidence, and equip you with practical tools to regain control of your life.
We utilize evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has been proven effective in managing Panic Disorder.
We’ll work with you to understand your unique needs and provide tailored care that helps you feel empowered to manage your symptoms.
You don’t have to face Panic Disorder alone.
Reach out to Shenwise today, and let’s take that first step toward feeling better, together.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: Diagnosis and Management. NICE. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113
World Health Organization. (2016). International Classification of Diseases (10th ed.). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/