Dr. Tim O’Connor, MD
Psychiatrist
Many people experiencing their first panic attack believe they are having a heart attack, losing control, or facing a life-threatening medical emergency.
A panic attack can be frightening.
Many people experiencing their first panic attack believe they are having a heart attack, losing control, or facing a life-threatening medical emergency.Â
Even after the attack ends, the experience often lingers. People begin wondering when the next attack might happen. They may avoid driving, traveling, crowded places, exercise, social situations, or anywhere they feel trapped if symptoms return.Â
At that point, the challenge is no longer limited to the panic attack itself.Â
Life starts becoming organized around avoiding the possibility of another one.Â
That is often where panic disorder enters the conversation.
If panic attacks or fear of future panic attacks have begun affecting your daily life, we can help.
Advaita Integrated Medicine provides therapy and psychiatry services for individuals experiencing panic attacks and panic disorder throughout North Carolina.
Learn more about our anxiety treatment in North Carolina or schedule an appointment now.
Panic Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern about experiencing additional attacks in the future.
Over time, many individuals begin changing their behavior, avoiding places, activities, or situations where they fear another panic attack could occur.
Not necessarily.
Many people experience a panic attack at some point in their lives. A panic attack can occur during periods of intense stress, following a major life event, during a medical issue, or sometimes with no obvious trigger at all.
Experiencing a panic attack does not automatically mean someone has Panic Disorder.
The diagnosis involves more than the panic attacks themselves. It also involves the ongoing fear of future attacks and the impact that fear has on a person’s daily life.
For some individuals, panic attacks become a source of constant concern. They may begin monitoring their body for signs of another attack, avoiding situations where they feel vulnerable, or changing routines to reduce the possibility of symptoms occurring again.
Someone with Panic Disorder may find themselves:
In many cases, the fear of future panic attacks becomes as disruptive as the attacks themselves.
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches its peak within minutes.
Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or in response to specific triggers. Since panic attacks can feel so severe and unexpected, many people think they are having a heart attack the first time they occur.
In fact, panic attacks are a very common reason people go to the emergency room. Â
During a panic attack, the body’s threat response system becomes highly activated. While the experience can feel dangerous, panic attacks themselves are not typically life-threatening.
Common symptoms include:
One reason panic attacks can be so alarming is that many of these symptoms overlap with serious medical conditions.
Whenever someone experiences new or concerning symptoms, a medical evaluation may be appropriate to rule out underlying health issues.
Many people use the terms “panic attack” and “anxiety attack” interchangeably.
In everyday conversation, that is understandable.
Clinically speaking, however, “anxiety attack” is not a formal diagnosis or diagnostic term.
A panic attack refers to a specific cluster of symptoms recognized within psychiatric diagnostic criteria.
People often use the phrase “anxiety attack” to describe periods of intense anxiety, overwhelming worry, or emotional distress.
Panic attacks tend to be more sudden and intense, often peaking within minutes.
Anxiety symptoms often build more gradually and may remain present for longer periods of time.
Regardless of the label, both experiences can be distressing and worthy of attention when they begin interfering with daily life.
Like many mental health conditions, Panic Disorder does not appear to have a single cause.
Researchers believe it develops through an interaction between biological, psychological, and environmental influences.
Potential contributing factors include:
Individuals with a family history of panic disorder or anxiety disorders may have an increased likelihood of developing similar symptoms.
Significant stressors, trauma, loss, health concerns, and major life changes can sometimes contribute to the onset of panic symptoms.
Some individuals become highly attuned to changes in heart rate, breathing, dizziness, or other physical sensations. These sensations may then be interpreted as signs of danger, increasing fear and reinforcing the panic cycle.
Over time, the brain may begin linking certain situations, places, or bodily sensations with previous panic attacks. As a result, experiences that were once neutral can start to feel threatening simply because they have become associated with past episodes of panic.
This can create a self-reinforcing cycle. The fear of having another panic attack increases vigilance toward physical sensations, and that heightened awareness can make those sensations feel more alarming, increasing the likelihood of panic occurring again.
For some individuals, Panic Disorder becomes closely connected with avoidance.
People may begin avoiding situations where escape feels difficult or where help may not be readily available if symptoms occur.
This pattern is often associated with agoraphobia.
Common situations people may begin avoiding include:
While avoidance can provide temporary relief, it often reinforces anxiety over time.
You can learn more about anxiety disorders and treatment approaches on our Anxiety Treatment page.
The good news is that Panic Disorder is highly treatable.
Several evidence-based approaches have demonstrated effectiveness.
CBT is often considered a first-line treatment for Panic Disorder.
This approach helps individuals understand the relationship between thoughts, physical sensations, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical skills for responding differently to panic symptoms.
Many effective treatments involve gradually confronting feared situations or bodily sensations in a safe and structured manner.
This type of approach can be very effective for other anxiety disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).Â
Interoceptive exposure helps individuals learn that physical sensations associated with panic are uncomfortable but not inherently dangerous.
Medication may be helpful for some individuals experiencing Panic Disorder.
A psychiatric provider can discuss whether medication may be appropriate based on symptoms, treatment history, and personal goals.
It is important to work with someone that understands panic disorders and psychiatric medications.
For some individuals, weekly therapy may not provide enough support to effectively address panic disorders.
When panic attacks are occurring frequently, avoidance behaviors are expanding, or anxiety is significantly affecting daily life, a Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) may be appropriate.Â
An IOP provides several hours of structured treatment each week, allowing individuals to build coping skills, address avoidance patterns, and receive a greater level of support while continuing to live at home and maintain many daily responsibilities.
At Advaita Integrated Medicine, we understand that panic attacks can significantly affect how people move through their daily lives.
Treatment involves more than reducing symptoms.
It often involves helping individuals rebuild confidence in their ability to tolerate uncertainty, engage with situations they have been avoiding, and participate more fully in the parts of life that matter most to them.
Our team provides:
We serve individuals throughout North Carolina, including Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
Clinical Therapist
At the core of AIM is our dedicated team, focused on fostering an environment where optimal wellbeing is achievable.
Driven by a vision of accessible, compassionate healthcare, our diverse professionals bring unique expertise and insights to enhance our mission. We believe in the power of connection and collaborative care. From clinical experts to supportive staff, every team member contributes to creating a nurturing environment that promotes growth, healing, and comprehensive wellbeing.
Step 1: Fill out the New Patient Form.
Step 2: You’ll be directed to online scheduling.
Step 3: Pick your provider, date, and time
Step 4: Begin your wellness journey!
