Boston Neurobehavioral Associates BNBA
PATIENT PORTAL(508) 979-5557REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Page Background Image

Panic Attacks

We are located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, New York and Florida.

Panic Attacks Treatment BNBA

A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear or physical discomfort that peaks within minutes. During an episode, your body triggers its fight-or-flight response, flooding you with adrenaline even when there is no real threat present.

The expert therapists and psychologists at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates deliver evidence-based panic attack treatment that addresses the root causes. Whether you are experiencing your first episode or have lived with panic disorder for decades, recovery is possible.

Locations: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, New York, and Florida

What Are Panic Attacks, and Why Won't They Just Stop?

A panic attack is an intense surge of fear that triggers severe physical reactions like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness. It often occurs without an actual threat. In this disorder, the body tells you that it is in danger when, in reality, there is no danger to be afraid of.

These physical symptoms won't stop because of the fear-of-the-fear cycle: your brain becomes hyper-aware of body sensations, interpreting a slight skip in heart rate as a sign of an impending attack.

Panic Attack Symptoms to Watch For

Panic disorder symptoms can feel alarmingly physical. Knowing them helps you understand what is happening.

Racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat are the most common anxiety attack symptoms.
Pressure or tightness in the chest, often mistaken for a cardiac arrest.
Difficulty breathing, which is worsened by the hyperventilation that often accompanies panic.
Feeling faint, unsteady, or detached from your surroundings.
Involuntary trembling in the hands, legs, or whole body during an episode of acute panic.

Panic attack symptoms can closely mimic serious medical conditions. Always rule out cardiac or other physical causes first with a doctor, then seek specialist panic disorder treatment.

What Triggers Panic Attacks? Most Common Causes

There are several reasons behind panic attacks:

  1. 1
    Major Life Stressors: Even if you feel you're "handling it," significant changes put your nervous system on high alert. These stressors can be extreme grief, job loss, intense workplace pressure, or significant life transitions.
  2. 2
    Chronic Anxiety & Hypervigilance: Once you've had one attack, your brain starts scanning your body for symptoms. If you notice a slightly fast heartbeat, you interpret it as "danger" rather than just "exercise" or "caffeine."
  3. 3
    Environmental Phobias: For many, specific environments act as a "toggle switch" for panic. These can include agoraphobia (fear of open spaces) or claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces).

How to Treat Panic Attacks: Your Options at BNBA

Our panic disorder treatment plans are personalized with clinical evidence.

CBT helps you identify and reframe the distorted thinking patterns that fuel panic, while gradually reducing avoidance.
For those whose panic has deeper roots in unresolved emotion or early experience, psychodynamic therapy explores the unconscious drivers of anxiety.
Mindfulness for panic attacks teaches you to observe anxious thoughts without reacting. It helps you to prevent panic attacks.
The healthcare professionals commonly recommend SSRIs and SNRIs for medication-based treatment.

When to See a Doctor for Panic Attacks

If you experience any of the following, seek professional help promptly. Panic disorder is treatable, and you can handle it really well with early intervention.

You have had more than one unexpected panic attack
You live in fear of the next attack happening
You have started avoiding situations, travel, or social life
Your work, relationships, or sleep are being affected
Panic attacks are lasting longer than 20–30 minutes regularly

Questions About Panic Attack Treatment