Panic Disorder Treatment in Portland | Shanti Recovery & Wellness

Living with panic disorder can feel like being caught in a whirlwind of fear without warning. For many, it’s not just occasional anxiety; it’s a cycle of sudden, intense episodes that feel overwhelming, frightening, and confusing. At Shanti Recovery and Wellness, we understand how disruptive panic disorder can be to daily life. That’s why our team offers evidence-based and compassionate care for those seeking panic disorder treatment in Portland.

Get to Know About Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a specific type of anxiety disorder. While everyone experiences stress or fear occasionally, panic disorder is different. It involves recurring and unexpected panic attacks, sudden surges of intense fear that peak within minutes. These episodes can feel like a heart attack, making it hard to breathe, think clearly, or even stay grounded in the moment.

Unlike general anxiety, panic disorder is marked by the sudden onset of symptoms and the lingering fear of having another attack. This can lead to avoiding situations, people, or places that feel triggering, even when there’s no actual danger present.

According to national survey data, about 2.7% of U.S. adults experience panic disorder each year. It’s more common in women, with 3.8% of females affected compared to 1.6% of males. Throughout a lifetime, around 4.7% of adults in the U.S. will face panic disorder at some point.

Common Signs of Panic Disorder

Panic attacks can come on without warning and often include both physical and emotional symptoms. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward understanding if you or someone you care about might be dealing with panic disorder:

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Shortness of breath or feeling like you’re choking
Sweating, trembling, or shaking
Chest pain or discomfort
Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Fear of losing control, “going crazy,” or dying
A sense of detachment from reality or oneself (derealization or depersonalization)

Most people who experience a panic attack once may never have one again. But with panic disorder, these episodes happen regularly and can begin to dominate your thoughts and behaviors. Effective panic disorder treatment in Portland can help you manage these symptoms and regain control.

Why Do People Develop Panic Disorder?

The causes of panic disorder are complex and unique to each individual. Some common factors include:

Genetics: If you have a family history of anxiety or panic disorders, your chances may be higher.
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can impact how your body processes stress.
Major stress or trauma: Life changes, trauma, or ongoing stress, especially in early life, can increase risk.
Personality traits: Individuals who are more sensitive to stress or have perfectionistic tendencies might be more vulnerable.
Substance use or withdrawal: Certain substances, especially stimulants or even caffeine, can trigger panic-like symptoms.

It’s also important to recognize that panic disorder often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression, PTSD, or substance use. That’s why our approach at Shanti Recovery and Wellness takes a whole-person view, and nothing is overlooked.

When Is It Time to Seek Help?

You don’t need to wait for a crisis to reach out. If panic attacks are interfering with your work, relationships, or sense of freedom, it’s time to consider professional support. Here are a few signs that it might be time to explore panic disorder treatment in Portland:

Avoiding places or situations out of fear of having a panic attack
Living in constant fear of your next episode
Sleep, appetite, or overall mood is suffering
Trying to cope on your own, but the anxiety hasn’t improved
Experiencing symptoms for more than a month, or it’s worsening

Panic disorder is highly treatable. With the right support, you can learn how to manage symptoms, reduce their frequency, and regain control over your life.

How We Can Help

At Shanti Recovery and Wellness, we provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where healing begins with connection. Our care is rooted in compassion, not shame, and we reject punishment-based models that have long harmed those with mental health needs.

We believe in a whole-person, trauma-informed approach to healing. Panic disorder doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it often overlaps with past trauma, substance use, or other emotional pain. Our team of psychiatrists, therapists, and wellness professionals works together to uncover the deeper patterns at play and create a treatment plan that supports your unique path forward.

Some of the services we offer to support people with panic disorder include:

Adult Psychiatry and Adolescent Psychiatry – Compassionate diagnostic assessment, medication support when needed, and ongoing emotional care
Substance Use Support – For individuals experiencing panic alongside substance use or withdrawal, we offer integrated dual diagnosis treatment

TMS Therapy for Panic Disorder

One of the promising programs we offer for panic disorder treatment in Portland is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

TMS is an FDA-approved, non-medication approach that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It’s especially useful for people who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments or who want an alternative to medications.

TMS can help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks by targeting the brain circuits involved in fear and emotional regulation. Reports show improved mood, better focus, and greater control over anxiety after completing a course of TMS therapy.

Why Choose Us?

Shanti Recovery and Wellness isn’t just a clinic; it’s a community of care. Our non-punitive, empathetic model creates space for you to feel seen, heard, and respected as you work through anxiety and panic. Every client is met with warmth, curiosity, and collaboration, not judgment or labels.

Our outpatient structure gives you the flexibility to get support while staying connected to your life. We work as a team; therefore, you’re never just seeing one provider in isolation. You’ll have a consistent circle of support every step of the way.

Tips to Help Prevent Panic Attacks

While treatment is often necessary for long-term relief, some day-to-day habits can help reduce the likelihood or intensity of panic attacks. Here are a few helpful strategies:

Practice mindful breathing: Deep, slow breaths can calm your nervous system. Try inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4, and exhaling for 6.
Limit stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications can increase anxiety. Consider reducing or cutting back if you notice a connection.
Move your body: Regular physical activity can help balance stress hormones and boost your mood naturally.
Stay connected: Isolation often increases anxiety. Reach out to friends, support groups, or a therapist when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Get enough sleep: Fatigue lowers your brain’s ability to regulate emotions. Establish a consistent bedtime and nighttime routine.
Learn to challenge catastrophic thinking: Panic thrives on “what ifs.” Cognitive tools like journaling or thought-stopping can help shift your mindset.

Even with these tools, recovery isn’t something you have to figure out alone. That’s where we come in.

Find Hope and Healing Through Panic Disorder Treatment in Portland

You don’t have to live in fear of your next panic attack. Relief is possible, and it begins with reaching out.

At Shanti Recovery and Wellness, our approach to panic disorder treatment in Portland combines innovative therapies like TMS with a deeply human approach to care. We’re here to listen and to help.