When Anxiety Becomes Debilitating: Identifying Panic Disorder and Effective Interventions
Beyond Everyday Nerves
Feeling nervous from time to time is part of being human. But when fear strikes out of nowhere—racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom—it might not just be anxiety. It could be Panic Disorder, a serious but treatable condition.
Panic attacks can come on suddenly, peak within minutes, and leave you physically and emotionally drained. If you find yourself constantly worried about having another one, or avoiding places and situations that might trigger them, you may be dealing with more than occasional stress.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic Disorder is defined by repeated, unexpected panic attacks followed by a month or more of ongoing worry or behavioral changes related to the attacks. It can begin in adolescence or adulthood and often develops without a clear trigger.
Common symptoms of a panic attack include:
Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
Difficulty breathing or tightness in the throat
Sweating or chills
Trembling or shaking
Nausea or stomach distress
Feeling faint or dizzy
A fear of dying or "going crazy"
These episodes can be terrifying and are often mistaken for heart attacks or other medical emergencies.
The Cycle of Fear
After experiencing one panic attack, many people live in constant fear of having another. This fear can become so overwhelming that they begin to avoid situations where panic might strike again. Over time, this leads to a shrinking comfort zone and social withdrawal—a pattern that can spiral into isolation or agoraphobia.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
The first step in managing Panic Disorder is a thorough evaluation. Because panic attacks can mimic other health conditions, such as heart problems or thyroid disorders, a proper medical workup is essential. At Sturges Family Practice, we take the time to listen to your full history and rule out other causes before arriving at a diagnosis.
Treatment Options That Work
1. Therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for Panic Disorder. It helps retrain your brain to respond differently to physical sensations and to reduce the fear of fear itself. Therapy often includes exposure to feared sensations (like rapid breathing) in a safe environment, helping you learn to tolerate and eventually overcome them.
2. Medication
Certain medications can be helpful in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks. These may include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), or, in some short-term cases, anti-anxiety medications. Our providers will work with you to find the right fit for your body and your symptoms.
3. NAD+ Therapy
At Sturges Family Practice, we offer NAD+ IV therapy in therapeutic doses as an integrative tool to support nervous system resilience. NAD+ plays a vital role in energy production and cellular repair and has shown promise in supporting mood, focus, and stress recovery. It can be a helpful add-on for patients who feel worn down by chronic stress or anxiety.
4. Spravato® (Esketamine)
In some cases where traditional treatments aren’t effective, we may explore the use of Spravato®—an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. While it's not yet specifically indicated for panic disorder, it may be considered in select cases under close supervision.
Practical Strategies for Coping
Even with professional support, it’s helpful to have a few tools you can use on your own:
4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat 3–4 times. This technique slows your heart rate and activates the calming part of your nervous system.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both can heighten your body’s fight-or-flight response.
Regular movement: Gentle exercise like walking or yoga helps your body process stress and improves sleep and mood.
Grounding techniques: Use your senses to come back to the present. Try holding a cold object, listing five things you see, or focusing on your feet touching the ground.
When to Get Help
If you’re avoiding work, school, or social activities because of panic attacks—or if your fear of another attack is taking over your life—it’s time to get help. Panic Disorder is treatable, and the sooner you start, the better the outcome.
At Sturges Family Practice, we believe in addressing both the biological and emotional roots of anxiety. Whether you're seeking therapy, medical treatment, or integrative support like NAD+ therapy, we’re here to walk the journey with you.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and explore your options for reclaiming peace and control.
