Panic attacks and panic disorder can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating. Many people mistake them for heart attacks or serious medical emergencies. At Athena OKAS, we work with individuals who experience sudden waves of intense fear and want clear, evidence-based support.

This page explains what panic attacks are, how panic disorder develops, the symptoms to watch for, and the most effective treatment options available today.

What Are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. They can happen without warning and may not always have a clear trigger.

A single panic attack does not mean someone has panic disorder. However, repeated attacks combined with ongoing fear of having more may indicate a diagnosable condition.

Common features of panic attacks include both physical and psychological symptoms. Many people report feeling out of control during an episode.

Symptoms of Panic Attack

Recognizing the symptoms of panic attack is the first step toward getting help. Symptoms usually reach their peak within 10 minutes and may last 20–30 minutes.

Physical Symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chills or hot flashes

Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms:

• Intense fear of losing control
• Fear of dying
• Feeling detached from reality (derealization)
• Feeling disconnected from oneself (depersonalization)

Because the symptoms mimic cardiac problems, many individuals first seek emergency medical care. Medical evaluation is important, but when tests are normal, panic attacks are often the cause.

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is diagnosed when someone experiences recurrent panic attacks and lives in ongoing fear of having another one. The fear itself begins to interfere with daily life.

People with panic disorder may avoid:

• Driving
• Crowded places
• Public transportation
• Social events

Avoidance can grow over time and may lead to isolation. Without treatment for panic disorder, symptoms often persist or worsen.

Difference Between Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Many people ask about the difference between anxiety and panic attacks. While both involve fear and physical symptoms, they are not the same.

Anxiety:

• Builds gradually
• Often tied to a specific worry
• Can last hours or days
• Lower intensity but persistent

Panic Attacks:

• Sudden onset
• Peak within minutes
• Intense physical symptoms
• May occur without a clear trigger

Understanding this difference helps ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Read Also: Anxiety Meaning in Hindi

Causes of Panic Disorder

There is no single cause of panic disorder. Instead, several factors interact.

Biological Factors

Research shows that genetics can increase vulnerability. Brain chemistry, especially involving serotonin and norepinephrine, plays a role in regulating fear responses.

Psychological Factors

People who are highly sensitive to physical sensations may misinterpret normal bodily changes as dangerous. For example, a slightly elevated heart rate may be perceived as a heart attack.

Environmental Factors

Stressful life events such as:

• Loss of a loved one
• Major transitions
• Trauma
• Chronic stress

These can trigger initial panic attacks and contribute to ongoing panic disorder.

Understanding the causes of panic disorder helps reduce shame. This condition is not a sign of weakness. It is a treatable mental health disorder.

How to Stop a Panic Attack

When someone is in the middle of a panic attack, the goal is to calm the nervous system. Here are practical techniques supported by clinical experience:

1. Controlled Breathing

Slow your breathing:

• Inhale for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale for 6 seconds

Repeat for several minutes.

2. Grounding Techniques

Focus on your senses:

• Name 5 things you see
• 4 things you feel
• 3 things you hear
• 2 things you smell
• 1 thing you taste

This shifts attention away from catastrophic thoughts.

3. Reassurance Statements

Tell yourself:

• “This will pass.”
• “I am safe.”
• “This is uncomfortable but not dangerous.”

Learning how to stop a panic attack takes practice. With guidance from trained professionals, people gain confidence managing symptoms.

Treatment for Panic Disorder

Effective treatment for panic disorder is available. Most people improve significantly with proper care.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is considered the gold standard. It helps individuals:

• Identify distorted thoughts
• Challenge catastrophic beliefs
• Gradually face avoided situations

Exposure therapy, a component of CBT, reduces fear of physical sensations by safely recreating them in controlled settings.

2. Medication

In some cases, medication may help regulate brain chemistry. Common options include:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
• SNRIs
• Short-term use of anti-anxiety medications

Medication decisions should always be made with a licensed healthcare provider.

3. Lifestyle Support

Supportive strategies include:

• Regular exercise
• Consistent sleep schedule
• Reduced caffeine intake
• Stress management techniques

Combining therapy with healthy habits improves long-term outcomes.

At Athena OKAS, treatment plans are personalized. We assess symptom severity, history, and individual goals before recommending a structured care approach.

Living With Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Recovery is possible. Many people who once struggled daily now live full and active lives. The key steps include:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Evidence-based therapy
• Consistent follow-up
• Willingness to face fears gradually

Panic attacks and panic disorder respond well to structured psychological treatment. Improvement often begins within weeks of starting therapy.

Take the Next Step Toward Stability

If panic attacks and panic disorder are affecting your quality of life, support is available. You do not have to manage this alone.

At Athena OKAS, our clinicians provide structured assessments, personalized therapy plans, and ongoing guidance rooted in clinical evidence.

Contact Athena OKAS today at +91 9289730444 to schedule a confidential consultation and begin evidence-based treatment for panic disorder. Early support leads to stronger recovery and lasting stability.