While there are very few warning signs, an indicator of a panic disorder is that it comes on quickly and usually subsides after a few minutes. Common symptoms include feeling out of control and overwhelmed. Panic disorder also includes physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, numbness, chills or hot flashes.
Panic attacks are an immediate fight or flight response with intense emotional, mental and physical symptoms. The attacks come on quickly and usually subside after a few minutes. A significant demarcation of a panic attack is fear of having another attack. Anxiety is a general feeling of nervousness and worry, that builds and subsides gradually and varies in intensity.
A therapist may give an inventory to identify symptoms, or simply engage in a conversation that takes note of feelings, behaviors, moods, sleeping/eating patterns. The therapist may also inquire about physical/health-related co-occurring issues to help make the panic disorder diagnosis.
A licensed mental health professional, such as a mental health counselor, independent social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or a psychiatric nurse practitioner can help diagnose & treat panic attacks.
Talkspace providers treat panic disorders with a variety of evidence-based therapeutic intervention methods, with the most common method being Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).