Managing Panic Attacks: Where to Get Help in New Jersey

Most people experience some anxiety every day. While anxiety is part of everyday life for most, some people struggle with anxiety symptoms that overwhelm their ability to cope. Anxiety and panic disorders can affect a person’s daily functioning, relationships, health, and more.

Panic attacks are the primary symptom of panic disorder. Panic attacks can be distressing. They can be disruptive to a person’s functioning and well-being. Frequent, distressing symptoms of panic attacks can negatively impact a person’s quality of life.

Panic disorder and anxiety generally respond to treatment. This article will explore panic attacks and their treatment. You will learn:

• The symptoms of panic attacks
• General information about panic disorder
• How to treat panic attacks
• Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment in New Jersey

If you or someone you love struggles with panic attacks or other mental health conditions, you are not alone. Find mental health professionals, resources, and treatment at New Jersey Behavioral Health Center. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

Understanding Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a mental health condition that causes panic attacks. Most people will experience one or two panic attacks in their lifetime. In most cases, people can identify the source of their panic attack.

However, people with panic disorder may experience frequent, unexpected panic attacks. Frequent panic attacks can significantly impact a person’s functioning, mental health, and quality of life.

Living with panic disorder or other anxiety disorders may increase the risk for substance abuse and addiction. People with symptoms of panic disorder must seek treatment as soon as they recognize the symptoms. Contact the specialists at New Jersey Behavioral Health to learn more about panic disorder treatment.

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden, often unexpected episode of intense fear and anxiety. People may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms during a panic attack, including:

• Shortness of breath
• A feeling of being strangled or choked
• Tingling or numbness in the face, hands, limbs, or other areas
• An intense fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Racing or pounding heart
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Tightness in the throat
• Chills
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Weakness
• Feeling that they will die

People may believe these symptoms are signs of a serious medical condition, such as a heart attack. This can increase the tension, anxiety, and fear people experience.

A panic attack may occur without any warning. Symptoms can last minutes or hours.

While a panic attack is typically not life-threatening, it can be very distressing. People may worry about when the next panic attack will occur. They may avoid places or situations they believe might trigger a panic attack.

Panic disorder can be incredibly disruptive to a person’s daily life. Treatment plans for panic disorder can help people reduce symptoms or manage this condition effectively. Contact New Jersey Behavioral Health to learn more about treating panic disorder or to schedule an intake appointment.

Managing Panic Disorder: Understanding Treatment

Mental health experts do not fully understand what causes people to develop panic disorder. However, they believe a combination of factors may increase a person’s risk for this condition, including:

• A family history of anxiety or panic disorder
• A history of trauma
• Substance use disorder (SUD)
• Chronic stress

Treatment for panic disorder typically includes a combination of medications, talk therapy, and lifestyle changes. Here is an overview of what to expect in panic disorder treatment.

Medications

Healthcare professionals may prescribe medications to help people manage the symptoms of panic disorder. People may take several medications, including:

• Anti-anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines
• Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Beta-blockers

People with panic disorder must work closely with a mental health or medical doctor to find the medications that work best for them.

Talk therapy

Evidence-based treatment programs typically include talk therapy. Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help people recognize and change thoughts and behaviors related to their anxiety.

People with panic disorder may also engage in exposure therapy. During this form of treatment, people work with a mental health professional to increase exposure to things they have been avoiding. Exposure therapy can help people gain more control over their behaviors, which may reduce symptoms of panic and anxiety.

Lifestyle changes

Research suggests that certain lifestyle changes may help reduce or prevent panic attacks. These include:

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Getting regular exercise
• Learning relaxation techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, mindfulness, yoga, and tai chi
• Eating a balanced diet
• Taking frequent breaks
• Prioritizing sleep

Individualized treatment is critical when addressing panic disorder. Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Health specialists to explore our range of mental health treatment and support programs.

Find Help for Panic Attacks in New Jersey

Overcoming or managing panic disorder can be challenging, but having the right treatment and support makes it possible. Find comprehensive and personalized treatment for panic disorder at New Jersey Behavioral Health. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our treatment specialists today.