Understanding Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Prevalence, And Treatment Approaches
Definition Of Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is fairly common and affects about 2.4 million people in the U.S., or 1.7% of the adult population between the ages of 18 and 54. Women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition, and its symptoms usually begin in early adulthood. Often time panic attacks feel like heart attaches and strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and are a result of years of suppressing fears and worries.
Signs And symptoms Of Panic Disorder
Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms:
“Racing” heart
Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy
Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
Sense of terror, or impending doom or death
Feeling sweaty or having chills
Chest pains
Breathing difficulties
Feeling a loss of control
Treatment of Panic Disorder
Causes are not clear, however some people have biological vulnerability to panic attacks, and may be triggered by major life changes (such as getting married, having a child, starting a first job, etc.) and major lifestyle stressors. Treatment begins by identifying triggers and becoming aware of signs that an attack could be coming on. Panic attacks generally last less than 10 minutes, although some of the symptoms may persist for a longer time. People who have had one panic attack are at greater risk for having subsequent panic attacks and new research shows that discussing panic attacks can actually bring them on. In therapy we will label panic attacks as “episodes” and learn what to do during an episode. Once the attacks are under control we will begin peeling away layers of fear and anxiety to get to the root of the problem.
Take the First Step Towards Change
Many clients choose to address stress through couples therapy, where we work directly on the relational patterns driving emotional overload.
Contact Marina Edelman, LMFT, today for a confidential consultation.
Learn More About Marina Edelman’s Services
You can also find more information on her Psychology Today profile: Marina Edelman – Psychology Today. Or explore resources on the AEDP Institute website: Marina Edelman – AEDP Institute
FAQ Section
Can relationship problems really cause chronic emotional overload ?
Yes. Relationship distress is one of the most significant contributors to chronic stress. Ongoing conflict, emotional disconnection, or feeling unsupported keeps the nervous system in a heightened state of alert, which can lead to anxiety, burnout, and physical symptoms over time.
Is stress management therapy different from couples therapy?
Stress management therapy often overlaps with couples therapy when stress is driven by relationship dynamics. For many clients, addressing communication patterns, emotional safety, and conflict directly within the relationship leads to more effective and lasting stress reduction.
Should we seek couples therapy if overwhelm is affecting our relationship?
Yes. If stress is contributing to frequent conflict, emotional distance, or decreased intimacy, couples therapy can help identify the patterns fueling stress and create healthier ways of relating.
Do you offer burnout counseling for individuals as well as couples?
Yes. I work with both individuals and couples. Individual therapy often focuses on stress related to relationships, emotional regulation, and personal boundaries, while couples therapy addresses shared relational dynamics.
Do you offer stress management therapy via telehealth?
Yes. I provide therapy to clients throughout California via secure telehealth, in addition to in-person sessions in Westlake Village, CA.
Serving Westlake Village, Malibu, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Oak Park, and surrounding areas in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, and beyond in the state of California via telehealth.