Evidence-Based Relief From Panic Attacks
Panic Disorder Treatment in Orlando
Panic attacks are terrifying — but panic disorder is highly treatable. Our board-certified psychiatrists offer SSRIs, SNRIs, CBT coordination, and ongoing medication monitoring to help you regain control. Same-week evaluations available.
Most major insurance accepted • Self-pay options available
Request a Panic Disorder Evaluation
Understanding Panic Disorder
Experiencing Panic Attacks?
Same-week appointments available. If panic attacks are disrupting your daily life, you don't have to wait weeks for help. Our board-certified psychiatrists can evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Panic disorder is more than occasional worry or stress. It involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden episodes of intense fear that peak within minutes and produce physical symptoms like a racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling that something terrible is about to happen. Between attacks, many people develop a persistent fear of the next one, which can lead to avoidance of places or situations where attacks have occurred.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that panic disorder affects approximately 2–3% of U.S. adults each year, and it is nearly twice as common in women as in men. Without treatment, panic disorder tends to become chronic and can significantly limit daily functioning — people may avoid driving, going to work, shopping, or being alone.
The good news: panic disorder is one of the most treatable anxiety disorders. Evidence-based treatments — including SSRIs, SNRIs, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — have strong track records for reducing both the frequency and severity of panic attacks. At Empathy Health Clinic, our board-certified psychiatrists take an evaluation-first approach, working with you to understand your symptoms before recommending any treatment.
Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: What's the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, these terms describe different experiences:
Panic Attacks
- • Sudden onset, often without warning
- • Peak within minutes
- • Intense physical symptoms (racing heart, chest pain, numbness)
- • Defined in the DSM-5
Anxiety Episodes
- • Gradual build-up, often triggered
- • Can last hours or days
- • Worry, tension, restlessness
- • Not a formal clinical diagnosis
Both are distressing and treatable. A psychiatric evaluation can determine what you're experiencing and the best approach.
First-Line Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs are proven to reduce panic attack frequency and severity without addiction risk
CBT & Exposure Therapy
Gold-standard therapy approaches that retrain your brain's fear response to panic
Evaluation-First Approach
We assess your full clinical picture — medical, psychiatric, and personal — before treatment
Same-Week Appointments
Don't wait weeks to start treatment — we see patients quickly
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-ups to track progress, manage side effects, and adjust your plan
Telehealth Available
Virtual appointments across Florida for patients who prefer remote care
How We Treat Panic Disorder
A structured, evidence-based approach to lasting panic relief
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Your first visit includes a thorough assessment of your panic symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, substance use history, and co-occurring conditions. We rule out medical causes of panic-like symptoms (thyroid disorders, cardiac conditions, medication effects) and develop a clear diagnostic picture before recommending any treatment.
SSRIs as First-Line Treatment
SSRIs — including sertraline, escitalopram, and paroxetine — are commonly used as initial pharmacologic treatment for panic disorder. They reduce both the frequency and intensity of panic attacks over 4–8 weeks. SSRIs have no abuse potential and are safe for long-term use. Your psychiatrist will select the most appropriate SSRI based on your profile.
SNRIs for Panic Disorder
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine are also effective for panic disorder, particularly when it co-occurs with depression or when SSRIs haven't provided adequate relief. Like SSRIs, SNRIs carry no addiction risk and provide sustained benefits.
CBT and Exposure Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a first-line treatment for panic disorder. It helps you identify catastrophic thoughts that fuel panic (e.g., 'I'm having a heart attack'), replace them with accurate interpretations, and gradually face feared sensations through interoceptive exposure. We coordinate with therapists who specialize in CBT for panic.
Buspirone and Hydroxyzine
Buspirone may be used as an adjunct for generalized anxiety symptoms that accompany panic disorder. Hydroxyzine, a non-addictive antihistamine, can help with acute situational anxiety. Neither carries abuse potential, and both can complement SSRI/SNRI treatment when additional support is needed.
Medication Monitoring & Adjustment
Panic disorder treatment is not one-size-fits-all. We schedule regular follow-up appointments to assess medication response, manage side effects, and adjust dosing as needed. Most patients see significant improvement within 8–12 weeks of starting evidence-based treatment.
Insurance & Payment Options
We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options
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We accept most major commercial insurance plans for panic disorder treatment and medication management. Self-pay options available. Note: We do not accept Medicaid or Sunshine Health.
Why Choose Empathy Health Clinic
Licensed Professionals
Board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists
HIPAA Compliant
Your privacy and confidentiality are protected
Insurance Accepted
We accept most major insurance plans
Same-Week Appointments
Fast access to care when you need it most
What to Expect at Your First Panic Disorder Evaluation
Conditions That Commonly Co-Occur With Panic Disorder
Medical References
This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment is individualized and requires a clinical evaluation. All medication decisions should be made with a qualified clinician. Empathy Health Clinic does not sell or advertise prescription drugs online.
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Panic Disorder Treatment FAQs
Stop Living in Fear of the Next Panic Attack
Panic disorder responds well to evidence-based treatment. Our psychiatrists will work with you to find the right combination of medication and therapy to reduce your panic attacks and restore your quality of life.