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Panic disorder affects about 6 million American adults and is highly treatable.
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear that reach a peak within minutes. People with panic disorder often live in fear of the next attack and may begin avoiding situations where attacks have occurred.
Many people with panic disorder initially believe they are having a heart attack or serious medical emergency. DLH Consulting can provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to help you regain control.
Panic disorder should be evaluated when you have experienced recurrent, unexpected panic attacks AND have developed persistent concern about future attacks or significantly changed your behavior because of them. A single panic attack does not mean you have panic disorder. However, if you are living in fear of the next attack, avoiding places or situations where attacks have occurred, or modifying your daily routine to prevent panic, professional evaluation is warranted. Many people with panic disorder visit multiple medical providers seeking a cardiac or respiratory explanation before receiving the correct diagnosis. If you have been medically cleared but continue to experience episodes of intense physical and psychological fear, panic disorder is a likely diagnosis.
Panic disorder is highly treatable. Our PMHNPs begin with a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and rule out medical causes of panic-like symptoms (thyroid disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypoglycemia can mimic panic attacks). First-line treatment is SSRIs or SNRIs, which reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks over time. During the initial weeks before SSRIs become fully effective, we may prescribe a short-term medication to help manage acute attacks. We coordinate with therapists who specialize in panic-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which teaches you to understand the panic cycle, reduce catastrophic thinking about physical sensations, and gradually face avoided situations.
Most patients see a significant reduction in panic attack frequency within 4-8 weeks of starting SSRI medication. Full benefit typically takes 12 weeks. Panic-focused CBT typically involves 12-16 sessions. Many patients achieve full remission — zero panic attacks — with combined medication and therapy. Even if you achieve remission, we recommend continuing medication for at least one year before considering tapering to reduce the risk of recurrence. Telehealth is fully available for panic disorder treatment.
Our intake coordinator will reach out within 2 business days of receiving your completed intake forms.
Complete Intake Forms (774) 929-7420Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 516 Hawthorn St., Dartmouth, MA
Telehealth: Available statewide
We accept most major plans including:
Recurrent panic attacks with persistent worry about future attacks, but without significant avoidance of situations.
Panic disorder accompanied by fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable during an attack.
Panic attacks and heart attacks share some symptoms (chest pain, racing heart, shortness of breath), which is why many people visit the ER during their first panic attack. Key differences: panic attacks peak within 10 minutes and resolve within 20-30 minutes; heart attack chest pain tends to be more persistent and may radiate. Always seek emergency care if you are unsure.
Not necessarily. Many people experience occasional panic attacks without developing panic disorder. Panic disorder is diagnosed when attacks are recurrent and unexpected AND you develop persistent concern about future attacks or significantly change your behavior because of them.
Many people experience complete remission of panic disorder with treatment. A combination of medication and CBT is highly effective. Even if symptoms return, they can be successfully managed.
SSRIs/SNRIs take 4-6 weeks to become fully effective. During this period, your provider may prescribe a short-term medication to help manage acute attacks. Once SSRIs are working, most patients experience a significant reduction or complete cessation of panic attacks.
Yes. Panic disorder is covered as an anxiety disorder by most major insurance plans including MassHealth, Medicare, and commercial insurers.
DLH Consulting treats a full range of mental health conditions. Learn more about other conditions we commonly treat:
Insurance We Accept
Our board-certified PMHNPs are accepting new patients in Dartmouth, MA — in-person and via telehealth statewide.