Panic symptoms can feel frighteningly physical
A panic attack can involve an abrupt surge of fear or distress along with a racing heart, sweating, trembling, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or tingling. Some people feel as though something terrible is happening even when they cannot identify a specific threat. The intensity can make the experience hard to describe later.
Not everyone who has one panic attack has panic disorder. Recurrent unexpected attacks, persistent worry about the next attack, and changes in behavior to avoid another episode may be important for a clinician to assess. Other medical and mental health issues can cause similar symptoms.
Do not assume new physical symptoms are panic
Chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, or other new or concerning physical symptoms should not be self-diagnosed as anxiety, especially when the cause is uncertain. If symptoms suggest a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency evaluation. A website checklist cannot determine whether symptoms are caused by panic, a heart condition, or another illness.
Once urgent medical problems have been addressed, a clinician may ask about the episodes' timing, associated sensations, medications, caffeine or substance use, health history, and whether the episodes are changing your daily activities.
What to write down after an episode
If the situation is not an emergency and you are able to do so safely, a few private notes may be useful for a future clinical conversation.
Approximately when the episode began and how long it seemed to last.
The strongest sensations or worries, without trying to assign a diagnosis.
Whether an event, location, or bodily sensation seemed to precede it, or whether it felt unexpected.
Any avoidance that followed, such as stopping travel, exercise, errands, or work activities.
Medical evaluation already completed, medications used, and questions you still have.
Discussing evidence-based treatment options
Panic symptoms can be addressed with several approaches depending on the individual. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including specific strategies for panic, is an evidence-based psychotherapy option. Medication is another option for some people. The best plan depends on the history, medical considerations, preferences, and the services a particular provider offers.
A psychiatric evaluation can help clarify whether medication might be appropriate, whether psychotherapy should be discussed, and whether other medical care is needed. HMW's psychiatric medication management is not the same as offering an in-house CBT program.
Moving forward without self-diagnosing
At Her Mind & Wellness, Elizabeth Ghadimi, PMHNP-BC, provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management when appropriate for adults. The practice offers in-person visits in El Paso and telehealth when you are physically in Texas. The website's care options explain insurance through Headway, self-pay requests, and the option of a free 15-minute introductory conversation. Availability, eligibility, and appointments still require confirmation.
Useful questions include: What else might cause these sensations? What should I do if symptoms recur? Would psychotherapy or psychiatric medication be appropriate? How will treatment progress be measured? You deserve a clear explanation of the available next steps.