Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder services offered in Lincoln, NE

About 2-3% of people in the United States have panic disorder, and 11% struggle with panic attacks that cause shortness of breath and loss of control — similar to having a heart attack. If you or a loved one struggles with panic attacks, turn to a1 Family Psychiatry in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ismatt Niazi, MD, and the team diagnose and treat panic disorder to help you overcome this often-crippling condition. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by phone or request one online today.

Panic Disorder Q & A

What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repeated panic attacks, which cause discomfort, intense fear, and a loss of control. These attacks often happen when there’s no real danger, causing physical symptoms that are similar to those caused by heart attacks. Panic disorder can become debilitating when left untreated, especially among children.

Which symptoms can panic attacks cause?

Panic attacks associated with panic disorder can lead to:

Rapid or pounding heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
Hyperventilation
Intense fear
Sweating
Chills
Avoiding certain situations or places
Intense worry about future panic attacks
Trembling or shaking
Feeling like you’re choking
Chest or stomach pain
Nausea
Weakness
Dizziness
Numbness or tingling in your toes and fingers
Depression

Panic attacks may happen without warning, lasting a few minutes to an hour in some cases.

Many individuals who have panic attacks only experience 1-2 attacks during their lifetime and don’t require treatment. Panic disorder, however, is characterized by repeated panic attacks happening as often as daily.

What are the risk factors for panic disorder?

While the exact cause of panic disorder isn’t clear, potential risk factors may include:

Environmental factors like stress
Brain chemistry changes
Genetics
Being female
Childhood trauma

Panic disorder often begins in the late teenage years or early adulthood. Women are twice as likely as men to have this condition.

It may be linked to additional mental health conditions, such as phobias and other anxiety disorders.

How is panic disorder diagnosed?

The a1 Family Psychiatry team meets with you to discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and any past trauma. They complete a psychiatric evaluation to assess your emotions, moods, thoughts, behavior patterns, and history of panic attacks to develop an effective mental health treatment.

How is panic disorder treated?

Treating panic disorder at a1 Family Psychiatry often consists of making lifestyle adjustments, taking medications, undergoing therapy, or combining multiple treatments. The team offers in-person and virtual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy that help reduce your risk of future panic attacks.

It’s also helpful to reduce stress, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and join a support group when appropriate.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at a1 Family Psychiatry by phone or request one online today to be screened or treated for panic disorder.