Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can be debilitating and impact one's overall sense of wellness. Dr. Armin Hoes of Latitude Mental Health can improve your symptoms and learn healthy coping skills that can help you avoid panic attacks. For a consultation and treatment for your panic attacks, call or book an appointment online with Latitude Mental Health today.

 

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden, intense physical reaction brought on by feelings of extreme anxiety and fear. There may not be any apparent signs of danger or maybe an exaggerated stress response to an event or situation. 

For most, a panic attack is a rare event that may only happen under extreme stress or 1-2 times in a lifetime. For some, however, panic attacks can occur more frequently and may impact mental and emotional health. 

If you have regular panic attacks, you may have a panic disorder. Panic disorders can be debilitating and may affect your work, play, and closest relationships. While panic attacks themselves aren’t life-threatening, treatment is essential to prevent worsening symptoms or other complications. 

Panic Attack Symptoms

Panic attacks typically have extremely physical symptoms, which can cause further anxiety due to concern that you may be having a heart attack or acute medical event. 

Symptoms of a panic attack are unique to each person, but may include:

  • Pounding, rapid heartbeat

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Sweating

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest tightness or heaviness

  • Hot flashes or chills

  • Nausea

  • Headache

  • Dizziness or feeling as if you are going to faint

  • Generalized tingling or numbness

A panic attack may also cause feelings of being detached, impending doom, or fear of sudden death. Panic attacks often come on suddenly and reach their highest intensity after about 10 minutes before starting to subside. 

LMH Panic Attack Treatment

Dr. Hoes helps create a plan of care that empowers you to deal well with your panic attacks and recognizable triggers.

​Your personalized treatment plan likely involves personal lifestyle changes, medications, and psychotherapy. 

Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you manage your stress in a way that is effective and specific to you. CBT can give you strategies for coping well by managing responses to stressful events in your life.

 To help get control of your panic attacks and recover your mental and emotional health, call or book an appointment online with Latitude Mental Health today.