Panic Disorder

Do you have symptoms that resemble panic attacks – a sudden feeling of intense fear that appears for no apparent reason? Although very frightening, a panic attack is not dangerous.

During a panic attack, one person’s body can react differently than another person. Trouble breathing, racing heart rate, dizziness, nausea, shivering, or feeling disconnected from your body are just a few symptoms that can accompany a panic attack. Some patients describe feeling like they are having a heart attack. The attack usually only lasts 5 to 20 minutes and peaks at approximately 10 minutes. If the duration is longer, you may be experiencing multiple panic attacks or anxiety.

Panic disorder is a diagnosis made for people who have many panic attacks for no obvious reason. Panic disorders are a specific type of anxiety disorder.

Panic attacks are triggered by the “fight or flight” response (when hormones are released into the body for faster action). Fight or flight also causes the heart to beat faster. By increasing our heart rate and our ability to move, our bodies enable us to either fight an oncoming danger or flee from it. If fight or flight is triggered for no obvious reason, the hormone rush and increased heart rate become difficult to manage.

Trinity Psychiatric Health offers professional treatment of panic disorders in Lake Mary, Florida.