When your heart begins to race and your chest tightens, or you can’t catch your breath, it can almost feel like you’re dying. Even when this sensation passes, the fear still lingers. This is the experience of those who suffer from Anxiety attacks (also called panic attacks), which are more common than most people realize. While these episodes may feel like a heart attack or medical emergency, they’re treatable and manageable with the right support.
At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we help patients understand their symptoms and offer relief through personalized, evidence-based mental health services. If you’ve been living in fear of your own body’s reactions, we’re here to help you take back control and take back your life.
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
An anxiety attack, or panic attack, is a sudden, intense episode of fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. These episodes are often unexpected and can happen without a clear trigger, although some are brought on by stress, trauma, or phobias.
Essentially, the brain sends out a false alarm to the body, activating the “fight or flight” response, even though no real danger is present. For many people, the first panic attack is so intense that they believe they’re having a heart attack or medical emergency.
Common Symptoms of a Panic Attack
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the most common anxiety symptoms during a panic attack include:
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating or chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Numbness or tingling
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Feeling detached from reality
These symptoms typically peak within 10–15 minutes but can leave a lingering sense of unease for hours or even days. Some of our patients reported that they’d begin to avoid certain places or activities in fear of another episode, leading to what’s known as anticipatory anxiety.
Is It an Anxiety Attack or a Medical Emergency?
Many panic attack symptoms mimic those of heart problems or other medical conditions, so it’s essential to rule out physical causes first. Once cleared, a psychiatrist can help determine whether you’re experiencing a panic disorder or another form of anxiety.
At Serenity, we offer full psychiatric evaluations at our mental health clinics, where we assess medical history, emotional symptoms, and neurological function to make an accurate diagnosis.
When Anxiety Attacks Become a Mental Disorder
Having an occasional panic attack doesn’t always mean you have a mental disorder. But if panic attacks occur frequently, cause ongoing fear, or interfere with your ability to live your daily life, they may be a sign of panic disorder. This is a type of anxiety disorder that benefits from clinical treatment.
It’s also common for panic attacks to occur alongside other conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or depression. That’s why working with a qualified psychiatrist is so important. Our psychiatrists identify underlying patterns and tailor your treatment specifically to you.
Behavioral Health and the Panic Cycle
Panic attacks are not “all in your head.” They are physical and emotional responses that result from neurological and physiological processes. But behavioral health plays a powerful role in preventing and reducing attacks over time.
Avoidance, negative thought spirals, and poor stress management can reinforce the panic cycle. Treatment must include not only symptom relief but also tools to change behavior, reframe thoughts, and improve coping strategies. At Serenity, we combine medical, emotional, and behavioral care into every treatment plan.
How Psychiatrists Treat Panic Attacks
Our psychiatrists take a comprehensive approach to treating panic symptoms. This may include:
- Medication management: Many anxiety medications like SSRIs (e.g., sertraline) or SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine) are effective in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks. In some cases, anti-anxiety meds like benzodiazepines may be prescribed short-term for acute relief.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients identify and change the thought patterns that fuel panic. It also includes exposure techniques to help reduce the fear of future attacks.
- Lifestyle support: Sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and structured gratitude practices are incorporated into care to regulate nervous system function.
- Brain-based interventions: For patients who don’t respond to standard treatments, TMS therapy offers a powerful alternative.
TMS Therapy for Anxiety and Panic Attacks
TMS therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a medication-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that are impacted by symptoms of anxiety. It’s FDA-approved for depression and OCD, but many patients with anxiety disorders also experience profound relief with TMS.
Our mental health clinics offer TMS in a calm and supportive outpatient setting. Sessions last about 20 minutes and are typically done five times per week over 6–8 weeks. There’s no medication involved, and most patients resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.
We’ve seen countless patients who once feared leaving their home now live free from daily panic. For many, TMS succeeded where medications could not.
When to Seek Help for Anxiety Attacks
If you’re experiencing repeated panic attacks or living in fear of another one, you don’t have to go through it alone. Some signs it’s time to seek help include:
- Avoiding social events or travel due to anxiety
- Missing work or school due to panic symptoms
- Constantly worrying about your health
- Using substances to calm down or cope
- Feeling exhausted, hopeless, or overwhelmed
These are not signs of weakness. They are signs that your brain and body are asking for help. At Serenity, we’re ready to listen and get you the care you need.
Anti-Anxiety Meds vs. Long-Term Treatment
Anti-anxiety meds like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax or Ativan) can stop a panic attack quickly, but they’re not meant for long-term use due to dependency risk. That’s why our psychiatrists prioritize sustainable options, like SSRIs or TMS therapy, along with behavioral strategies to build resilience.
We also offer guidance on tapering off medications safely when needed. Everything is done with transparency, empathy, and close monitoring when it comes to our services.
Why Serenity Mental Health Centers?
We’re more than just another anxiety treatment center. We’re a place where patients come to reclaim their lives with support that works. Our mental health clinics are built around one mission: helping you feel like yourself again.
We offer:
- World-class psychiatrists and care teams
- Easy access to same-day and next-day appointments
- Comprehensive evaluations and personalized plans
- Medication, therapy, and TMS therapy under one roof
- Compassionate, judgment-free outpatient care
Explore our full range of Mental Health Services.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been battling panic attacks or fear of losing control, there is a path forward. At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we use science, compassion, and a team-based approach to help you take back your life.
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FAQ: Anxiety Attack Symptoms
What are the symptoms of an anxiety attack?
Common anxiety symptoms include a racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness, nausea, and fear of losing control or dying.
How do I know if I’m having a panic attack or something else?
Only a medical professional can rule out physical causes. Once cleared, a psychiatrist can evaluate whether your symptoms are part of a mental disorder, such as panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
What is the best treatment for panic attacks?
Treatment may include anxiety medications, CBT, and in some cases, TMS therapy for long-term relief, especially when medications haven’t worked.
Can I treat panic attacks without medication?
Yes. Many patients find success through therapy, TMS, and lifestyle changes, either alone or in combination with medication.
Where can I find help for anxiety attacks?
You can get help at Serenity’s mental health clinics. We offer compassionate, personalized outpatient care with fast access to treatment.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
