Fear can be a major hindrance to your everyday life. Whether you choose to avoid situations that make you panic, or you find yourself forced into situations that lead to panic attacks, your life can be negatively impacted by fear. If this happens regularly, you may suffer from panic disorder. Our skilled psychiatrists and providers can help diagnose and provide panic disorder treatment in our Allen, TX office.
You do not have to accept panic attacks as a part of your life, and you do not have to deal with them alone. Prestige Clinic can help educate and treat you for your panic disorder.
Panic disorder can present with many different symptoms, though some are more common than others. Some symptoms you may experience include:
If you struggle to deal with panic disorder symptoms in Allen or anywhere else in the DFW, you are not alone. Many people with panic disorders experience these symptoms and more, but you can find help by talking to our skilled providers.
Your primary care provider is the first point of contact when receiving a panic disorder diagnosis. They will help determine if your panic attacks are part of a panic disorder or if they are part of a different condition, such as a heart or thyroid condition, which can often share the symptoms of a panic disorder. Some procedures that can help pinpoint a diagnosis include:
It is important to remember that not everyone who suffers from panic attacks will have a panic disorder. To be diagnosed with a panic disorder requires several factors to occur concurrently.
You must have frequent and unexpected panic attacks that impact your ability to function at a normal capacity. At least one of your panic attacks must be followed by at least one month of ongoing worry over experiencing another attack. The fear must also include being worried about the consequences of the attacks, such as losing control or having a heart attack, and can include major behavioral changes, such as avoiding situations that you think will trigger an attack.
Your panic attacks must not be caused by drugs or the uses of other substances or medical conditions. If your attacks are triggered by a different mental health disorder, such as a social phobia, then often you will be treated for that disorder, rather than diagnosed with panic disorder.
If you are diagnosed with a panic disorder, the best treatments include psychotherapy and sometimes medications. Psychotherapy, commonly known as talk therapy, is the first choice of treatment. We will help you understand your panic disorder symptoms and develop strategies to cope with them. Through consistent work, you can learn how your symptoms are not dangerous, even though they may feel like it. You will work to overcome your fear and learn how to address your physical sensations of panic, which can help you better handle the situations you would avoid.
Medication is also a possible treatment for panic disorder. There are several different types of medication that may be prescribed, but each has a goal of managing your panic attack symptoms. By lessening the symptoms, you will be able to engage with the situations you would previously avoid, as you do not feel the fear or dread you once did. Your prescribed medication will depend on which symptoms you suffer from, as each type of medication works to address specific aspects of your panic disorder.
You deserve to be able to live your life freely, without fear and panic. Reach out and schedule a consultation with our Allen, TX office today to find out more regarding panic disorder treatment. You do not have to let your fear control your life. Take the steps that will allow you to live life to your fullest.