Panic Disorder

Understanding Panic Attacks, Anticipatory Anxiety, and How Treatment Helps Restore Safety

Panic Disorder is characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear, often called panic attacks, along with ongoing anxiety about having future episodes. Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack, choking, fainting, losing control, or dying.

These symptoms are terrifying, but they are not dangerous.
They are the body’s alarm system firing too intensely or at the wrong time.

Many people with Panic Disorder begin avoiding places or activities where a panic attack might occur creating a shrinking world and increased anxiety.

With the right treatment, panic becomes far less frequent, less intense, and less frightening.

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder involves:

  • Unexpected panic attacks

  • Persistent worry about having more attacks

  • Avoidance of situations associated with panic

  • Fear of physical sensations

Common sensations during panic include:

  • Racing heart

  • Chest tightness

  • Dizziness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Shaking

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Hot flashes or chills

  • Derealization or detachment

  • Fear of “going crazy”

Panic attacks peak quickly and resolve naturally even without intervention.

Common Triggers for Panic Disorder

Triggers may include:

  • Stress or overwhelm

  • Physical sensations (e.g., increased heart rate)

  • Caffeine or stimulants

  • Exercise

  • Being in crowds or enclosed spaces

  • Driving or flying

  • Illness-related sensations

  • Sleep changes

  • Conflict or emotional distress

Often, the fear of fear becomes the biggest trigger.

Common Behaviors and Avoidance Patterns

People with panic disorder may:

  • Avoid activities that increase heart rate

  • Avoid driving, busy places, or being alone

  • Seek reassurance from loved ones

  • Carry “safety items”

  • Take longer routes to avoid anxiety

  • Over-monitor bodily sensations

  • Avoid important responsibilities

Avoidance keeps panic alive by reinforcing danger signals.

How We Treat Panic Disorder

Treatment focuses on rewiring fear responses, reducing avoidance, and teaching the brain that panic is uncomfortable but not dangerous.

Interoceptive Exposure

The gold standard for panic:

  • Safely recreating feared physical sensations

  • Learning through experience that sensations are tolerable

  • Reducing fear of “losing control”

Examples include spinning, running in place, breathing through a straw, etc.

Exposure to Feared Situations

Gradual ERP to reduce avoidance of:

  • Driving

  • Crowds

  • Stores

  • Elevators

  • Exercise

  • Busy places

Cognitive Reframing

We challenge catastrophic interpretations of bodily sensations.

Nervous System Skills

Grounding, diaphragmatic breathing, and sensory work help reduce overall reactivity.

Values-Based Work

Rebuilding confidence and identity beyond anxiety.

Common Questions About Panic Disorder

  • No. Panic feels overwhelming but is medically safe.

  • The brain misinterprets sensations or stress as danger, triggering a false alarm.

  • Yes, avoidance strengthens fear pathways.

  • Absolutely. With treatment, many people experience dramatic reduction in symptoms.

  • Some individuals benefit from medication, but many improve significantly with therapy alone.

When to Reach Out for Help

If panic attacks or fear of panic are interfering with your daily life, treatment can help you regain freedom and confidence.

At The OCD Relief Clinic, we help individuals:

Reduce panic frequency and intensity

Rebuild trust in their body

Stop avoiding meaningful activities

Move through the world with confidence


Serving Weber County, Davis County, and all of Utah via telehealth

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