Panic Attacks: Why They Happen and When to Seek Help
Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment in Florida | Mariposa Integrative Psychiatry
Learn the symptoms of panic attacks, why they occur, how panic disorder develops, and when adults in Florida should consider seeking mental health treatment.
Panic Attack Support in Ocala, Dunnellon, Gainesville, Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach & Miami
A racing heart.
Shortness of breath.
Chest tightness.
Dizziness.
Shaking.
A sudden feeling that something terrible is about to happen.
For someone experiencing a panic attack, the symptoms can feel frighteningly real.
People may believe they are having a heart attack, losing control, fainting, or even dying.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Chest discomfort
Shortness of breath
Trembling
Sweating
Dizziness
Nausea
Tingling sensations
Chills or feeling unusually hot
Feeling detached or unreal
Fear of losing control
Fear of dying
Symptoms can escalate quickly.
Why Do Panic Attacks Happen?
The body's fight-or-flight system is designed to protect us from danger.
During a panic attack, that alarm system can become activated even when there is no immediate external threat.
Stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, stimulants, certain medical conditions, medications, substance use, or other factors may contribute to symptoms in some individuals.
Because panic-like symptoms can overlap with physical medical conditions, new or concerning symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be anxiety.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Having one panic attack does not necessarily mean someone has panic disorder.
Panic disorder generally involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks along with persistent worry or behavioral changes related to having additional attacks.
People may start avoiding:
Driving
Crowded stores
Airplanes
Restaurants
Exercising
Being far from home
Places where they fear they cannot easily escape
Unfortunately, avoidance can make the fear stronger over time.
Can Panic Attacks Be Treated?
Yes.
Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, behavioral strategies, or a combination of approaches.
CBT can help people understand panic symptoms and change the catastrophic interpretation of physical sensations.
Some individuals may also benefit from medication when clinically appropriate.
A complete evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are consistent with an anxiety condition or whether additional medical assessment is warranted.
When Should Someone Seek Emergency Medical Care?
Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe dizziness, or an abnormal heartbeat can have medical causes.
If symptoms are new, severe, unusual, or potentially life-threatening, seek urgent medical evaluation rather than assuming the symptoms are caused by panic.
Telepsychiatry Throughout Florida
Mariposa Integrative Psychiatry provides adult psychiatric services for individuals throughout Florida, including:
Ocala | Dunnellon | Gainesville | Tampa | Orlando | West Palm Beach | Miami
For people experiencing recurring anxiety or panic symptoms, evaluation can help determine the next appropriate step.
Educational & Emergency Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or individualized treatment and does not establish a provider-patient relationship.
If you are experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, a medical emergency, psychiatric emergency, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, you may also call or text 988.
