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Panic Disorders

Panic Disorder Treatment at Our Rehabilitation Center

Panic disorder and related conditions involving panic cause major distress and disruption to everyday life. Intense fear and worry can leave you feeling perpetually on edge and trapped in cycles of panic that are hard to break free from. 

Comprehensive treatment guided by our experts at West Coast Recovery Centers will help you address your condition, as well as any underlying issues. With professional support, holistic healing, and evidence-based practices, you can develop coping and symptom management skills and find healing in your everyday life.

Panic Disorder and Related Conditions

Panic disorder and related conditions involving panic are characterized by panic attacks that come on suddenly. The details of these mental health conditions can vary depending on their type, but all share the common denominator of frequent panic attacks.

Panic attacks describe episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a racing heart. Though these attacks trigger physical reactions when there is no real danger, symptoms can be extreme, painful, uncomfortable, and distressing. It is important to note that panic attacks do not necessarily signify panic disorder.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by regular attacks of fear or panic. Though it is normal to experience these feelings in dangerous situations, panic disorders can bring on these feelings unexpectedly and frequently. 

In some cases, individuals who struggle with panic disorder will avoid situations entirely due to fear of triggering panic attacks. Unfortunately, living in fear can create deeper cycles of panic and lead to more attacks.

 

Common symptoms of panic attacks include:

 

A feeling of dread

Chest pain

Chills

Dizziness 

Dry mouth 

Feeling faint

Feeling on-edge

Hot flashes

Nausea

Numbness

Out-of-body sensations

Rapid heart rate

Shaking 

Shortness of breath

Sweating

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is another form of anxiety disorder that is often linked to panic disorder. It causes fear and avoidance of certain situations that could lead to feelings of being trapped, panic, embarrassment, or helplessness. It is common for people with this condition to avoid situations and places that are new or unfamiliar in order to prevent these feelings. 

For example, someone with agoraphobia may struggle with an intense fear of large crowds. As a result, they may avoid public places where crowds tend to gather. This might mean avoiding less common situations, such as concerts or parades, or everyday settings, like grocery stores or movie theaters.  

Common symptoms of agorophobia include:

  • Chest pain

  • Chills 

  • Dizziness

  • Fear

  • Feeling shaky

  • Hot flashes

  • Hyperventilization

  • Light-headedness 

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Sweating 

  • Trouble breathing normally

  • Upset stomach

 

Other Conditions with Panic Features

Other mental health conditions can have panic features as well, such as:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

When feelings of immense worry reach their peak, physical symptoms like panic attacks can result.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The obsessions and compulsions that OCD can cause may lead to feelings of panic.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

When someone with PTSD experiences a trigger that reminds them of their trauma, they may suffer from a panic attack.

Social anxiety disorder

Those with extreme social anxiety might experience panic attacks when in distressing social situations.

Specific phobias

Many phobias can come with panic-like symptoms.

West Coast Recovery Centers Mental Health Programs

Our West Coast Recovery Centers experts treat mental health issues in individuals who require a higher level of support, offering guidance in three main programs. Through a combination of holistic and evidence-based strategies, we work toward lasting healing.

Partial-Hospitalization Program 

Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) services occur Monday through Friday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. Clients can enjoy structured days in a supportive environment and flexible nights back at home.

PHP services include:

  • A weekly case management session (as needed)

  • Couples therapy options

  • Daily group therapy

  • Help with medication management

  • Family therapy options

  • In-person sessions

  • Weekly individual therapy

Intensive Outpatient Program Services

Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) services provide mental health guidance and care with greater flexibility and less intensive support. Treatment begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

IOP services include:

  • A weekly case management session (as needed)

  • Couples therapy options

  • Daily group therapy

  • Help with medication management

  • Family therapy options

  • In-person sessions

  • Weekly individual therapy

Dual Diagnosis Program Options

In many cases, there is a connection between mental health and addiction issues. We offer comprehensive care for those battling a dual diagnosis. In our dual diagnosis programs, both conditions can be treated at the same time, and clients can find the tools they need to succeed on their recovery journeys.

Reach Out Today

Our compassionate team will help you through every step of the process in seeking treatment for your panic disorder or a related condition.

Call us today at (760) 492-6385 so we can help you get started.

We work with most major insurance companies on an in-network basis.

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