Condition
Panic Disorder Treatment in Texas
Panic disorder means having sudden, repeated panic attacks — intense waves of fear with physical symptoms like a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness — along with ongoing worry about the next one. It’s common and highly treatable, usually with a mix of therapy and medication. Our Texas team can evaluate you and build a plan, often within the same week.
Clinically reviewed by the Lyte Psychiatry Clinical Team · Last reviewed June 2026
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern about having more of them. The attacks often arrive “out of the blue,” not tied to a clear trigger, and the fear of another attack can start to shape daily life — avoiding places, situations, or activities where one happened before.
Symptoms of a panic attack
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that usually peaks within minutes. Common symptoms include:
- Pounding, racing, or skipping heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or a smothering feeling
- Chest pain or tightness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
- Trembling, sweating, or chills
- Nausea or stomach distress
- A sense of losing control, or that something terrible is about to happen
Because these symptoms can mimic a heart attack, a clinician will rule out other medical causes as part of the evaluation. If you ever have chest pain you’re unsure about, seek emergency care.
How panic disorder is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on a history of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks plus ongoing worry or behavior change because of them. Your provider does a physical exam and a mental health assessment, and may order blood work to rule out other conditions (such as thyroid problems) that can look similar.
How it’s treated
Panic disorder responds well to treatment. The strongest results usually come from combining psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches you to recognize and reframe the thoughts and body sensations that fuel attacks. On the medication side, SSRIs and SNRIs are common first-line choices; a fast-acting option is sometimes used short-term while a daily medication takes effect. Your prescriber tailors the plan to you and follows up closely.
Medications
Medications used for panic disorder
These are some of the medications a prescriber may consider. Each guide explains what it treats, how it works, and side effects. Whether any medication is right for you is always decided with your prescriber.
Frequently asked questions
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder marked by sudden, repeated panic attacks — episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms like a pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain — that often come out of the blue, plus ongoing worry about having another attack.
What does a panic attack feel like?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes. Common symptoms include a racing or pounding heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, sweating, nausea, and a feeling of losing control or that something terrible is about to happen. It can feel like a heart attack, which is why other medical causes are ruled out first.
How is panic disorder treated?
Panic disorder is highly treatable. The most effective approach is usually a combination of psychotherapy (especially cognitive behavioral therapy) and medication. SSRIs and SNRIs are common first-line medications; a prescriber tailors the plan to you.
Is panic disorder the same as general anxiety?
No. Generalized anxiety is persistent, day-to-day worry, while panic disorder centers on sudden panic attacks and the fear of more attacks. They can overlap, and an evaluation helps clarify which is driving your symptoms.
Can panic attacks be dangerous?
Panic attacks are intensely uncomfortable but not physically dangerous in themselves. Because the symptoms can mimic heart or breathing problems, a clinician rules out other medical causes first. If you ever have chest pain you're unsure about, seek emergency care.
Sources
Related pages
This page is for general education and is not medical advice or a substitute for care from your own clinician. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and for a medical emergency call 911.
Get help for panic attacks
Our Texas psychiatry team can evaluate your symptoms and build a plan that fits — with close follow-up. In-person in DFW or by video statewide. Same-week appointments available.
Book an appointment