Experiencing a panic attack can be overwhelming, leaving you struggling to breathe, frozen in fear, and even questioning if you’re having a heart attack. At WCWCW in Bethesda, Maryland, our seasoned mental health professionals are equipped to help you comprehend the underlying causes of these panic attacks. Through our informed care, we strive to empower you with the tools to manage your panic disorder, ensuring you no longer feel confined by the fear of these debilitating episodes. To learn more about alleviating panic disorder, reach out to WCWCW today or request an appointment online.
Panic disorder induces intense fear or stress that leads to the occurrence of panic attacks. These attacks can render you immobilized and incapable of functioning normally. Physical symptoms associated with panic attacks include a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, chest discomfort or tightness, difficulty breathing, profuse sweating, as well as sensations of numbness or tingling, dizziness, and lightheadedness. During such episodes, you might also experience difficulty speaking or thinking clearly, and could even find yourself screaming or crying.
Panic attacks can be triggered by various factors, ranging from situations that evoke a sense of danger to seemingly innocuous events that pose no real threat. As a result of the distress caused by panic attacks, individuals often make considerable efforts to avoid any potential triggers. It’s not uncommon for people to develop avoidance behaviors, leading them to stay away from specific places or situations where they’ve previously experienced panic attacks. In severe cases, individuals may become housebound, fearing the onset of an attack outside their home.
While there isn’t a single definitive cause for panic disorders, they typically emerge from underlying issues like generalized anxiety disorder or related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Certain risk factors can elevate the likelihood of developing panic disorder, including a family history of panic and anxiety disorders, a history of abuse, past traumas, and extreme stress. Although anyone can experience panic disorder, it tends to affect women more frequently, with many experiencing onset during late adolescence or early adulthood.
At WCWCW, treatment plans are tailored to address your specific needs. Uncovering the root cause of your condition is a crucial step toward overcoming panic disorder, often involving various psychotherapeutic techniques. Strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) can significantly assist individuals in managing their condition. Additionally, incorporating practices like meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises can prove beneficial. Some patients may require the use of anti-anxiety medications to help alleviate the severity of their symptoms while undergoing therapy.
Our dedicated team at WCWCW is committed to providing expert, personalized treatment for panic disorder, ultimately enabling you to break free from the grip of panic attacks. We extend our high-quality services through telehealth to patients residing in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Michigan, and Florida. Contact our office or request an appointment online today.
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