Panic attacks and panic disorder can feel like crippling conditions for those who suffer from them. Experiencing panic attacks can prevent people from living life as they normally would, leading them to avoid certain situations and potentially develop additional anxieties and fears. Panic attacks typically begin in young adulthood, but they can occur at any point throughout adulthood.

Prior to receiving treatment for panic attacks or panic disorder, some exams may be necessary to rule out any other medical conditions that may have similar side effects, such as thyroid problems, heart arrhythmia, and more.

For help with panic attacks near Dublin, Danville, and San Ramon, California, contact Dr. Alex Anastasiou today. Just call our office at 925-425-0191 to schedule a new patient appointment.

Panic Attack Symptoms

Panic attack symptoms come seemingly out of the blue and intensify quickly. Most symptoms of panic attacks peak within 10 minutes, and then begin to subside. Symptoms of panic attacks include:

  • Accelerated heart rate or palpitations
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Choking sensation
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Depersonalization
  • Nausea
  • Heat sensations or chills
  • Fear of losing control
  • Fear of dying

Following a panic attack, it is not unusual to feel stressed, worried, or high-strung for the remainder of the day. If you’re experiencing panic attacks or have been diagnosed with panic disorder, speak with a mental health professional about your treatment options. If you’re in California’s East Bay area and need a psychiatrist you can depend on, call Dr. Alex Anastasiou.

To schedule a new patient appointment, please call our office at 925-425-0191 during business hours, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

What’s the Difference Between a Panic Attack & an Anxiety Attack?

Anxiety attacks stem from stressors and can be directly linked to one or more causes. A panic attack, on the other hand, is not provoked by a stressor, and seemingly comes out of the blue. The intensity of symptoms and duration are what mainly set these apart from one another. Anxiety attacks are more prolonged with less severe symptoms, where panic attacks last an average of 10 minutes, and symptoms come out of the blue.

The unexpected nature of panic attacks makes them especially difficult to deal with, as one cannot always sense one coming on, and symptoms are often extreme. Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, often build up gradually. While “anxiety attack” is not a defined symptom in the DSM-V, it is a core feature of many anxiety disorders, including agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and more.

If you’re experiencing panic attacks or anxiety attacks, working with a mental health professional can help. Dr. Alex Anastasiou can discuss a variety of treatment options for you and help you work towards getting control of your life again.

Treatment for Panic Disorder

There are a few treatment options for panic disorder, including psychotherapy, education, and medication. The combination of the three treatments has been proven most effective when managing and treating panic disorder. When medication is used in the treatment of panic attacks, it typically serves to either prevent panic attacks or reduce their frequency and severity.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are now the first line of defense against panic disorder. Working with a board-certified psychiatrist can help you to determine what the best course of treatment is for you. When prescribing treatment, Dr. Alex Anastasiou will take into consideration your overall health history, any health conditions, and your personal needs. As needed, Dr. Anastasiou can also recommend a local therapist who can help with your treatment.

Dr. Anastasiou can help patients throughout the East Bay find relief for their panic attacks. To schedule an appointment, call 925-425-0191 today.

Schedule an Appointment for Panic Attack Treatment in Pleasanton Today

If you’ve been experiencing panic attacks, you know how much of a toll it takes on your daily life. Seeking help from a psychiatrist can get you feeling normal again, so you can get back to enjoying life. Dr. Alex Anastasiou is currently accepting new patients for treatment of panic disorder in the Pleasanton area. Call 925-425-0191 today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.