Panic Disorder Treatment

Panic attacks can be terrifying. They strike unexpectedly, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. If you’re struggling with panic disorder, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans experience this debilitating condition, which can significantly impact daily life.

At The Raleigh House, we understand the challenges you face. We offer a safe, supportive environment where healing begins with compassionate care and personalized treatment designed to help you regain control. Our holistic approach focuses on the mind and body, recognizing the deep connection between emotional distress and physical symptoms.

If you or someone you love is experiencing panic disorders, we encourage you to contact us directly or read on and discover how The Raleigh House can provide the support and guidance needed to reclaim peace of mind.

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a pervasive and often debilitating condition that affects many individuals, with approximately 3 percent of Americans experiencing it at some point in their lives. While it’s easy to overlook panic disorder as just another form of anxiety, it manifests in profound and distressing ways that can significantly impact daily life.

We understand how living with panic disorder can feel overwhelming and isolating. Frequent panic attacks and constant fear of the next episode can disrupt your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. That’s why we provide a safe, supportive environment where healing begins with compassionate care and personalized treatment designed to help you regain control.

At The Raleigh House, healing begins in a nurturing environment emphasizing compassionate care and personalized treatment. Our holistic approach to treating panic disorder focuses on both the mind and body, recognizing the deep connection between emotional distress and physical symptoms.

We offer evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you manage anxious thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms. For trauma-related panic symptoms, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help process and resolve past experiences that may be fueling your anxiety.

Panic Disorder Symptoms

At its core, panic disorder is a category of anxiety disorder characterized by abrupt and unexplained feelings of overwhelming panic, commonly known as panic attacks. These panic attacks can strike unexpectedly, sending the individual into a spiral of intense physical and emotional distress.

Common physical signs of a panic disorder include the following:

Elevated heartbeat: Many describe it as their heart racing or pounding, leading to fears of a heart attack.
Perspiration: An uncontrollable sweaty feeling accompanies the panic, contributing to the sensation of losing control.
Chest pain and tightness: This can lead individuals to believe they are experiencing a serious medical emergency.

Chills or hot flashes: These fluctuations can create a confusion of sensations that further exacerbate feelings of terror.
Nausea: The body often reacts intensely, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Dizziness and shortness of breath: Many report feeling faint or as though they can’t catch their breath.

Emotional symptoms are equally concerning, involving intense worry, an overwhelming fear of death or losing control, feelings of being trapped in an unending cycle of despair, and an unsettling sensation that the brain has disengaged from the body.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the risk of developing an addiction alongside panic disorder.

Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role; individuals with a family history of addiction or mental health issues are often more susceptible.
Environmental Factors: Circumstantial influences—such as exposure to trauma or stress—can further increase addiction risks. The combination of high anxiety levels and the desire to escape emotional pain can push individuals toward substances that ultimately harm rather than heal.

Addiction and Panic Disorder

The constant dread of experiencing these unexplained panic attacks can push individuals toward maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance use. The fear of another attack can feel all-consuming; in an attempt to mitigate this dread, many turn to drugs or alcohol.

Substance use may provide temporary relief but often leads to a cycle of dependence and addiction—creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates anxiety and panic.

Panic Disorder Diagnosis

For a diagnosis of panic disorder, the episodes must not be attributable to medication or substance use and are not better explained by another mental health condition, such as PTSD.

The disorder often leads to maladaptive behavioral patterns, such as avoiding crowded places or situations where past panic attacks occurred, ultimately resulting in increased isolation and reduced quality of life.

Addiction and Panic Disorder Treatment Options

Recovering from panic disorder is not just about managing symptoms; it often involves a comprehensive treatment strategy tailored to the individual’s unique experiences. Here are some common and effective treatment options:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This therapeutic approach helps individuals understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By challenging negative thought patterns, patients can learn new ways to cope with anxiety and panic.

Exposure Therapy

This form of therapy gradually exposes individuals to the situations they fear, helping them build resilience against panic attacks.

Lifestyle Management

Incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep contributes to overall mental well-being and can reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.

Supervised Medication-Assisted Treatment

For some, medication can be an essential component of treatment. It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the appropriate medications that address symptoms without leading to dependency.

To further support your recovery, we provide nutrition therapy to address any nutrient imbalances that could be affecting your mental health. We also offer acupuncture to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Our infrared sauna provides a natural way to support your body’s detoxification process and enhance overall wellness.

Therapy for Panic Disorder at The Raleigh House

At The Raleigh House, we understand that no two journeys are alike. Our dedicated team of caring clinicians is committed to providing personalized treatment modalities that consider not only the symptoms of panic disorder but also the underlying factors that contribute to addiction.

We believe that recovery is about rediscovering joy and purpose in life. By providing a safe, supportive, and personalized approach to treatment, clients are equipped with the tools they need to navigate their journey with confidence.

Select one of the following treatment facilities:

The Ranch at The Raleigh House: In the tranquil Colorado countryside, The Ranch fosters a serene environment that encourages healing and recovery. This sense of safety is critical for individuals grappling with the turmoil of panic attacks and addiction. Clients can focus on their recovery, surrounded by a compassionate team that understands the complexities of their experiences.
The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Situated in the Denver Tech Center, our treatment center is a beacon of excellence in mental health care. With a compassionate and highly skilled team, it offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.