A panic disorder causes unexpected, uncontrollable episodes of intense fear that lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, or heart palpitations. Almost 5% of people in the United States have a panic disorder at some point in their life. Renée Kohanski, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at RK Psychiatry Associates in Somerset, New Jersey, and Mystic, Connecticut, provides expert care for those struggling with a panic disorder. For a holistic approach to your mental well-being from an experienced psychiatrist, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes unexpected, frequent panic attacks. Panic attacks cause an extreme and sudden wave of paralyzing fear. People can have panic attacks and not have panic disorder.
With panic disorder, panic attacks are frequent and disruptive to daily life. If you have panic disorder, you may constantly worry about your next panic attack, avoiding places or situations you fear may trigger it.
Researchers theorize that panic disorder may develop because of an overreaction by your body’s survival instincts — fight or flight.
You can have panic disorder with other types of anxiety disorders. People with panic disorder have a history of four or more panic attacks that make them constantly worry about their next attack.
Symptoms of panic disorder include:
These panic attacks occur without warning and last a few minutes or more than an hour.
You can expect a patient-centered evaluation from Dr. Kohanski when you come in looking for help with panic disorder. Dr. Kohanski is an anxiety specialist who takes a holistic and integrative approach to care.
She asks detailed questions about your medical and mental health history and closely examines your psychological and social well-being. Dr. Kohanski aims to get to the root of your pain to develop the most effective treatment plan.
Dr. Kohanski also performs genetic testing to help with medication management.
Dr. Kohanski individualizes your panic disorder treatment plan, putting you on a path that leads to recovery. Treatment may include medication management, psychotherapy, or both.
Psychiatric medications help ease symptoms. Dr. Kohanski provides medication management, using the results of your genetic testing to prescribe the best medication and dose that works for your body.
Dr. Kohanski customizes your psychotherapy based on your individual needs. She may use various therapeutic methods to help you find new ways to react to the feelings and thoughts that occur before or during a panic attack.
Don’t let panic disorder keep you from living your life. Call RK Psychiatry Associates or schedule an appointment online today.