Panic Disorders

Panic disorders affect around 2.7% of Americans every year. If you experience any signs of a panic disorder, the team at KAB Medical Group Inc. in San Diego, Hollywood, and Chula Vista, California, can help. They provide expert diagnosis and a customized treatment plan to help you recover and restore your quality of life. Call the practice or schedule a consultation online today.

What are panic disorders?

A panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes extreme and debilitating fear and physical symptoms. These symptoms typically occur in out-of-the-blue attacks that aren’t necessarily connected to a specific worry or stressor. 

Panic disorders range in severity. For example, some people only experience one or two panic attacks before their symptoms disappear, while others have recurring attacks that interfere with their quality of life.

What are the warning signs of a panic disorder?

A panic disorder causes panic attacks, which combine mental and physical symptoms, such as:

• Intense fears and worries
• Sense of impending doom
• Fears of loss of control or death
• A feeling of detachment from reality
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Nausea or abdominal cramping
• Headaches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Panic attacks aren’t usually dangerous, but they’re frightening. Many patients say that they feel like they’re having a heart attack or dying when they have a panic attack. 

When should I talk to a doctor about a panic disorder?

While everyone lives with some worries or fears, persistent and recurring panic attacks can take a toll on your mental and physical health. You should make an appointment at KAB Medical Group Inc. if panic attacks or other signs of an anxiety disorder interfere with your life.

How are panic disorders treated? 

Following your diagnosis, the KAB Medical Group Inc. team creates a customized treatment plan to help you recover from your panic disorder. Most treatment programs include a combination of medicine, counseling, and lifestyle modifications. 

Medicine

Your psychiatrist might prescribe medication to regulate your brain chemistry and alleviate some of your anxious thoughts and other symptoms. Anti-anxiety medication can take a few weeks to take effect, so remain patient. 

Counseling

During counseling, you have an opportunity to explore your anxious feelings and fears. You and your counselor might work on techniques to recognize the thoughts and feelings that warn of a panic attack and methods to self-soothe before the attack strikes.

Lifestyle adjustments

The team at KAB Medical Group Inc. takes a holistic approach to wellness. They might recommend that you adjust your diet or get more exercise to enhance your overall health. 

They might also suggest that you practice meditation or mindfulness because learning to focus on the present moment is known to reduce some anxious feelings. 

Call KAB Medical Group Inc. today or make an appointment online if you have concerns about a panic disorder.