Panic Disorder
What is a Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is an anxiety condition marked by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing fear about having more. While panic attacks themselves are not uncommon, panic disorder develops when the fear of future attacks begins to shape daily life—leading to avoidance, heightened vigilance, and significant distress.
At Park Psychological Services in New York, we understand how disruptive and frightening panic disorder can feel. With careful evaluation and individualized treatment, panic disorder is highly treatable, and many people experience meaningful relief and renewed confidence in their lives.
Understanding Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks quickly and is accompanied by strong physical and emotional symptoms. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, even when there is no clear danger.
During a panic attack, you may experience:
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
- Dizziness, trembling, or weakness
- Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
- A sense of unreality or detachment
- Fear of losing control, “going crazy,” or dying
These sensations occur because the body’s fight-or-flight system becomes activated in the absence of an actual threat. Although panic attacks feel dangerous, they are not life-threatening.
Having an occasional panic attack does not mean you have panic disorder. Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent worry about future attacks or changes in behavior aimed at avoiding them.
Signs and Symptoms of Panic Disorder
In addition to panic attacks themselves, panic disorder often includes:
- Constant worry about when the next attack will occur
- Avoidance of places, activities, or situations associated with panic
- Fear of losing control or being unable to escape
- Increased sensitivity to bodily sensations
Over time, this cycle of fear and avoidance can significantly restrict daily functioning, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no single cause of panic disorder. Rather, it tends to emerge from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including:
- Genetic vulnerability or family history of anxiety
- Differences in brain chemistry and stress response systems
- Trauma or chronic stress
- Major life transitions or losses
- Substance use (including caffeine or alcohol)
- Other anxiety or mood disorders
From a psychological perspective, panic attacks may also be linked to heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, unresolved emotional conflicts, or fears related to control, safety, or vulnerability.
Treatment for Panic Disorder
Treatment for panic disorder begins with a thorough evaluation to rule out medical conditions (such as heart or thyroid issues) that can mimic panic symptoms. From there, therapy focuses on helping you understand and reduce both the attacks themselves and the fear surrounding them.
Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT helps identify and challenge catastrophic interpretations of physical sensations, reduce avoidance behaviors, and build confidence in managing panic symptoms.
- Exposure Therapy:
Exposure helps individuals gradually face feared sensations or situations, allowing the nervous system to learn that panic symptoms are uncomfortable but not dangerous.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy:
This approach explores the emotional and psychological factors that may underlie panic attacks, such as unresolved fears, past experiences, or internal conflicts. By understanding the deeper meaning of panic symptoms, individuals can experience more lasting emotional change and a greater sense of control.
Medication (When Appropriate)
Some individuals benefit from medication alongside therapy. Common options include:
- Antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs
- Short-term use of benzodiazepines in select cases
When medication is considered, we collaborate with trusted prescribers to ensure thoughtful, coordinated care.
Supporting Recovery Outside of Therapy
In addition to therapy, supportive strategies may include:
- Learning relaxation and breathing techniques
- Establishing consistent sleep and exercise routines
- Reducing caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
- Developing greater awareness of stress triggers
These tools can help stabilize the nervous system and reinforce progress made in therapy.
When to Seek Help
If panic attacks or fear of panic are interfering with your daily life, relationships, or sense of independence, professional support can help. Panic disorder does not need to dictate where you go, what you do, or how you live.
Getting Started
If you are struggling with panic disorder, the clinicians at Park Psychological Services are here to help. We offer compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses both symptoms and their underlying causes. Sessions are available in person in Manhattan and via telehealth throughout New York.
With the right support, panic can become manageable—and life can feel open and possible again.
Sources
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/panic-disorder/resources
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-attack-panic-disorder