According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with panic disorder comprise 2.7 of the US population. For those affected, panic attacks can feel sudden, overwhelming, and terrifying—often striking without warning and leaving lasting fears of when the next episode might occur.
While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, panic disorder goes beyond everyday stress. It involves recurring, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by persistent worry and behavioral changes aimed at avoiding future episodes. Over time, these attacks can interfere with daily responsibilities, relationships, and overall well-being.
Understanding what causes panic disorder, how it differs from general anxiety, and the treatments available can empower individuals to seek help and begin healing.
Panic Disorder
A panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and repeated panic attacks—intense periods of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. These episodes can occur unexpectedly and often lead to ongoing worry about future attacks, creating a vicious cycle of further episodes. This disorder can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Causes of Panic Disorder
The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute:
- Genetics: People with a family history of anxiety or panic disorders may be more likely to develop the condition themselves. Scientific research indicates genes do play a significant role in the likelihood of panic disorder, with things like an anxious temperament indicating increased likelihood.
- Brain Chemistry and Function: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA—combined with overactivity in areas of the brain that regulate fear—may play a role in triggering panic attacks.
- Past Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event, such as abuse, loss, or a major accident, can heighten stress sensitivity and increase the risk of developing panic disorder later in life.
In most cases, panic disorder arises from a mix of genetic risk, brain chemistry, and life experiences rather than a single identifiable cause.
Signs and Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can be intensely frightening and often come on suddenly without an obvious trigger.
Common symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sweating or chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Feelings of detachment or unreality (derealization)
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
After experiencing one or more panic attacks, individuals may start avoiding situations or places where they fear an attack might happen—leading to a pattern of avoidance that can severely limit daily functioning.
Difference Between Anxiety and Panic Disorders
The main difference between clinical anxiety and panic disorder is that the former typically does not lead to the person passing out. Clinical anxiety involves chronic, excessive worry or tension over many situations. The focus is more on anticipatory worry; with panic disorders, it’s the panic episodes themselves, and the dread of having future attacks. The symptoms of panic also tend to be more abrupt, intense, and physical (ex, heart racing, breathlessness) compared to generalized anxiety.
Panic Disorder Treatment
Aliya Health Group provides a comprehensive approach to treating panic disorder through research-driven therapies, medication management, and holistic care. Our goal is to help individuals reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, understand their triggers, and regain control of their lives.
Therapy for Panic Disorder
Aliya Health Group uses an integrated, evidence-based approach combining mental health therapy, medication, and holistic supports.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT helps clients accept distressing thoughts and feelings (rather than fighting them) while committing to actions aligned with their values. Aliya uses ACT to build psychological flexibility and reduce experiential avoidance.
Exposure Therapy
Although not always explicitly named, exposure-based techniques (gradual, safe confrontation of feared situations or bodily sensations) are often embedded in panic disorder treatment programs.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Therapy
CBT is highlighted by Aliya as a core therapy: helping clients identify and challenge negative automatic thoughts, catastrophizing, and avoidance behaviors, and replace them with more balanced thinking and coping strategies.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) Therapy
DBT can be helpful when panic disorder coexists with emotion regulation difficulties, self-harm, or intense reactivity. It provides skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Medication for Panic Disorder
Medication is often used alongside therapy, especially when symptoms are moderate to severe. Aliya offers medication management as part of the mental health services in their integrated care model.
Antidepressant Medication
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are common first-line choices. They can help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks by stabilizing brain chemistry.
Anti-anxiety Medication
Benzodiazepines or anxiolytics may be prescribed short-term to help manage acute symptoms or reduce anticipatory anxiety, under careful supervision to avoid dependence.
Supportive Medication
Other supportive medications—such as beta-blockers (for palpitations), SSRIs adjuncts, or off-label options—may help manage physical symptoms or co-occurring conditions like depression.
Panic Disorder Treatment at Aliya Health Group
At Aliya Health Group, we take a compassionate, research-driven approach to treating panic disorder. Our programs are designed to help clients understand the root causes of their panic attacks, gain control over their symptoms, and rebuild a sense of calm and confidence. By combining proven therapies with holistic healing methods, we provide a path toward lasting recovery.
Our Holistic Approach to Treatment for Panic Disorder
We believe effective treatment requires addressing every part of a person’s well-being—not just the symptoms of panic disorder. Our integrated model blends clinical therapy, psychiatric care, and holistic wellness services to support sustainable healing. Clients receive personalized treatment plans that may include:
- Individual and Group Therapy: Safe, supportive spaces to explore underlying emotions, thought patterns, and triggers.
- Medication Management: Supervised by licensed medical professionals to ensure proper balance and stability during treatment.
- Holistic Therapies: Complementary practices such as yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork that help regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation.
- Aftercare Planning: Continuous support and relapse prevention strategies to maintain long-term progress after treatment.
Our multidisciplinary team—comprising therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and wellness specialists—works together to ensure every client receives care tailored to their unique experiences and needs.
Panic Disorder Treatment Near You
Aliya Health Group offers treatment for panic disorder at several accredited facilities across the country, making it easier to access the care you deserve close to home. Each location provides a peaceful, therapeutic environment where healing can begin—whether you’re seeking residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), or intensive outpatient care (IOP).
Our compassionate admissions team can help you find the program and location that best fit your needs, ensuring you receive support at every step of the recovery journey.