Services

Panic attacks & panic disorder

Medically reviewed by Yenny Porrata DNP, FNP, PMHNP, BC - Adult Psychiatry

Care for sudden episodes of intense fear, physical symptoms, and the avoidance that often follows them.

Call 786-542-5766

What to expect

Careful evaluation

We review your symptoms, history, and past treatment before suggesting a plan.

A clear plan

Options, benefits, and possible side effects are explained in plain language.

Ongoing follow-up

The plan is reviewed at each visit and adjusted to your response, routine, and goals.

Understanding this condition

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear with strong physical symptoms — pounding heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, or a sense of unreality — that usually peaks within ten minutes. Many people first go to an emergency room believing it is a heart problem.

Panic disorder is diagnosed when attacks recur and are followed by persistent worry about the next one, or by avoiding places where an attack happened. It is highly treatable once identified.

How this condition is evaluated and treated

Ruling out medical causes

Cardiac, thyroid, and respiratory causes are considered, and coordination with primary care is recommended when the workup is incomplete.

Reducing attack frequency

Daily preventive medication and structured breathing and exposure strategies are used to lower how often attacks occur.

Rebuilding avoided activities

Treatment includes a plan for returning to driving, working, and other activities that panic has narrowed.

Common signs and symptoms

Sudden episodes of intense fear with no clear trigger
Racing heart, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
Dizziness, tingling, trembling, or nausea
Fear of losing control, fainting, or dying during an episode
Ongoing worry between attacks about having another one
Avoiding driving, stores, or being alone because of past attacks

When to schedule an evaluation

Schedule an evaluation after repeated panic episodes, or if fear of another attack is changing where you go and what you do. Chest pain that is new or unexplained should always be evaluated medically first.

Call 786-542-5766

Frequently asked questions

Are panic attacks dangerous?

Panic attacks are intensely uncomfortable but are not themselves physically dangerous. New or unexplained chest symptoms still need a medical evaluation.