Living with panic disorder can feel overwhelming. Episodes often strike without warning, disrupting work, relationships, and daily routines. At Shanti Recovery & Wellness, we provide panic disorder treatment in Portland that is evidence-based and customized to each individual. Our focus is on helping patients reduce symptoms, regain confidence, and move forward with clarity.
Understanding Panic Disorder and Its Impact
Panic disorder is more than occasional worry or tension. It is marked by repeated panic attacks, which are sudden and overwhelming surges of fear that can cause symptoms such as a racing heart, chest tightness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. These episodes often appear without warning, leaving individuals uncertain and fearful about when the next one will strike. This unpredictability is one of the most difficult aspects of the condition, as it creates ongoing worry even between attacks.
The emotional impact of panic disorder can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. Many people begin to alter their routines or avoid specific places and activities, fearing another episode could occur. In Portland, this can mean withdrawing from community events, avoiding public transit, or struggling to stay engaged at work or school. Over time, these limitations reduce independence, weaken social connections, and disrupt a person’s sense of belonging.
Panic disorder not only affects the mind and body; it also changes how people move through daily life. The cycle of avoidance and isolation can feel exhausting, but with the right treatment, these patterns can be broken. Shanti helps patients rebuild confidence, restore balance, and reconnect with the activities that matter most.
In Oregon, more than one in three adults report experiencing anxiety or depression in recent years, reflecting high demand for mental health care. While local data specific to panic disorder are limited, national research shows that panic disorder treatment in Portland and across the country is needed to meet this growing challenge. Our center provides dedicated care to address it.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Panic disorder includes both physical and emotional symptoms. While panic attacks are the hallmark feature, the overall experience extends beyond a single episode. These symptoms can appear suddenly and may resemble a medical emergency, which is why many people seek help in emergency settings before realizing panic disorder is the underlying cause.
Common symptoms include:
- A sudden, intense sense of fear or impending danger
- A rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sweating, trembling, or chills
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Tingling sensations or numbness
- A sense of detachment from reality
Having one panic attack does not necessarily mean panic disorder is present. However, if these episodes occur repeatedly and cause ongoing worry or avoidance of certain situations, professional evaluation is recommended.
Early recognition allows treatment to begin sooner, which often leads to better long-term outcomes. If you ever experience chest pain or severe shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention to rule out other medical conditions before assuming panic disorder. Our team provides panic disorder treatment in Portland that helps patients address these challenges with personalized care.
What Causes Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder does not have a single cause. Instead, it develops from a combination of factors unique to each individual. Genetics, imbalances in brain chemistry, past trauma, and ongoing stress may all contribute. In certain cases, substance use or withdrawal can bring on symptoms that resemble panic attacks.
This condition also frequently appears alongside other mental health concerns such as depression, trauma-related disorders, or substance use. These overlapping challenges can intensify symptoms and make recovery more complex if not addressed together.
At Shanti, our team understands that each person’s story is different. We take a holistic approach that looks at the full picture of mental health, offering dual diagnosis care to ensure that no contributing factor is overlooked. This integrated method gives individuals the best chance at long-term recovery and relief from panic disorder.
Practical Ways to Manage Panic Attacks
While professional treatment for panic disorder in Portland is often necessary for lasting relief, certain daily practices may help reduce the frequency or intensity of panic attacks. Deep, steady breathing exercises can calm the nervous system, and establishing regular sleep routines supports better emotional balance. Reducing stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine may also ease symptoms for some individuals.
Some additional approaches that can be supportive include:
- Staying connected: Reaching out to family, friends, or a therapist can help reduce feelings of isolation.
- Regular movement: Even small amounts of daily physical activity can promote balance and resilience.
- Journaling and thought-challenging: Writing down anxious thoughts or using structured techniques to shift thinking may lessen the grip of panic.
These strategies are not a substitute for treatment, but they can complement care. Through our panic disorder treatment in Portland, we help patients identify the approaches that fit their lifestyle and pair them with therapies designed for long-term relief. Our comprehensive services include therapy for panic attacks, combining psychiatric expertise with personalized strategies for lasting recovery.
Personalized Treatment Options for Panic Disorder
There is no single path to recovery from panic disorder. Each person’s needs, history, and symptoms are unique, which is why Shanti provides a range of treatment options. Our treatment for panic disorder in Portland combines psychiatry, medication, and supportive care to reduce panic attacks, strengthen resilience, and support long-term healing.
Psychiatry and Supportive Therapy
Psychiatry is often the first step in treating panic disorder. We provide evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy when appropriate. This includes therapy for panic attacks, which helps patients understand their symptoms, build coping skills, and restore a sense of stability. Early treatment for adolescents can also prevent disruption in school, relationships, and self-esteem.
TMS Therapy for Panic Disorder
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood and anxiety regulation. For those who do not find relief with traditional methods, TMS offers another proven option for reducing panic symptoms.
Medication Management and MAT
Shanti provides ongoing medication management as part of outpatient care. For patients with co-occurring addiction, we also offer MAT with Suboxone, Sublocade, and Vivitrol. This combination of psychiatric expertise and evidence-based options ensures care is personalized to each patient’s needs.
Why Portland Patients Trust Shanti for Panic Disorder Care
Since 2014, Shanti Recovery & Wellness has been part of the Portland community, offering mental health and addiction services that are locally owned and operated. Our clinic was built here, for the needs of Oregon residents, with a deep understanding of the challenges people face in accessing quality care.
We are committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where patients feel heard and supported. Our philosophy is rooted in empathy, not punishment, and our dual diagnosis model ensures comprehensive treatment for both mental health and substance use concerns.
Our outpatient program serves teens and adults aged 16 and older, with services that include psychiatry, supportive therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and advanced options like TMS therapy. With in-person appointments in Portland and telemedicine available statewide, we make specialized care accessible to individuals and families throughout Oregon.
Find Relief With Panic Disorder Treatment in Portland
Reaching out for help is often the turning point in recovery, and it can open the door to lasting relief. At Shanti Recovery & Wellness, we provide panic disorder treatment in Portland that focuses on long-term healing rather than quick fixes. With psychiatry, supportive therapy, TMS therapy, and medication management available, our team is ready to guide you toward greater calm and stability.
Contact us today to begin your path to recovery. A balanced and confident life is possible, and it can start right here in Portland.