Panic Attack Therapist in Creve Coeur, Independence and Columbia, MO

A panic attack is connected to your body’s instinctual fight, flight, or freeze response to danger. With that in mind, a panic attack is your body’s attempt to warn you that you could be in danger so that you can protect yourself. However, panic attacks typically occur without the threat of danger. In this way, a panic attack is your body doing the right thing at the wrong time.

Panic attacks often occur in response to major changes in one’s life, such as divorce or a new baby, or to traumatic or stressful events in one’s past, such as an auto accident, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or assault, serious injuries, or other events that caused significant pain or distress to one’s mind or body. A panic attack disorder can also have its roots in one’s family history.

Since panic attacks typically occur without an actual threat of danger, the feeling of a panic attack can be incredibly startling and shocking. As such, many individuals who have experienced panic attacks liken the experience to losing control or having a heart attack, as they occur with a sudden rush of intense fear and discomfort. With that being said, panic attacks generally happen with at least four of the following sensations or thoughts:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chills or hot flashes
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Excessive sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Fear of losing control, dying or having a psychotic episode
• Feeling of unreality or being detached from one’s own body
• Feeling of choking
• Nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting
• Numbness or tingling
• Shaking or trembling
• Shortness of breath, the sensation of being smothered, or tightness in your throat

While the symptoms of a panic attack can feel as though you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, it is important to remember that panic attacks are not life-threatening but are instead the presence of a false alarm going off in your body.

The main difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack lies in their triggers and nature. Panic attacks are typically sudden and unpredictable, occurring without warning and often without any obvious external stressor. These attacks can happen during any activity, even while sleeping, and usually peak within minutes. Symptoms can be severe, including a racing heart, sweating, chest pain, and feelings of losing control or impending doom.

On the other hand, anxiety attacks are generally triggered by a specific stressor, such as a work deadline, an upcoming event, or personal worries. While the symptoms of an anxiety attack can be similar to those of a panic attack, anxiety attacks tend to build gradually as the stressor worsens. Once the stressor is addressed or resolved, the anxiety attack typically subsides.

Both types of attacks can significantly affect one’s quality of life. If you are struggling with either, Dr. Moses Tabe Ambilichu, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist at Success Health System, can help diagnose and treat your condition with personalized care strategies.

Panic attacks can be overwhelming and distressing, but they are typically short-lived. On average, a panic attack lasts between two and ten minutes. During this time, individuals may experience symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. Although the experience can feel much longer, the symptoms typically begin to subside after a few minutes. It’s important to note that while the duration of a panic attack is usually brief, the aftereffects, such as fatigue or lingering anxiety, may last longer.

If panic attacks occur frequently or disrupt daily life, it is advisable to seek professional help. Dr. Moses Tabe Ambilichu, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist at Success Health System, specializes in treating panic attacks and other anxiety-related disorders. With the right treatment and support, individuals can learn strategies to manage panic attacks and improve their overall mental well-being.

If you are dealing with panic attacks and would like help from a psychiatrist or mental health professional, we would be happy to help at Success Health System LLC! Contact us today for more information or simply schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, and Columbia MO. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, Overland MO, Bridgeton MO, Independence MO, Raytown MO, Kansas City MO, Columbia MO, Shaw MO, Midway MO and surrounding areas.