Treatment For Panic Attacks in Edmonton

Reliable Panic Attack Treatment in Edmonton

Panic disorder is a distressing condition where sudden, uncomfortable episodes of intense fear occur without warning. These episodes—known as panic attacks—can last from minutes to hours, leaving you feeling exhausted and vulnerable.

Whether these attacks happen frequently or only occasionally, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. Often, the specific "trigger" is not immediately obvious, making it difficult to manage alone.

You don't have to live in fear of the next episode. For reliable panic attack treatment in Edmonton, trust the experienced team at Gary J. Meiers, Ph.D. & Associates. We provide evidence-based strategies to help you identify triggers, regain control, and restore your peace of mind.

Causes Behind a Panic Attack

When you are stressed or in danger, your heart beats faster, and you either cope with or run away from danger. Such a response accounts for a panic attack. Some causes of a panic attack include:

What Happens During a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks are often associated with physical symptoms such as shaking, a feeling your heart is pounding or racing, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath, a feeling of choking, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, an out-of-body sensation (a feeling of being apart from oneself), tingling in the hands, chills or hot flashes and headache. A person may also have an extreme fear of losing control, going crazy or dying during a panic attack. It is sporadic for a person to have all of these symptoms at once, although at least 4 symptoms strongly suggest panic disorder diagnosis.

How Is a Panic Attack Treated?

Treatment options to cure panic attack include:

EMDR Therapy

Through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), you can unblock emotions linked to the traumatic event underlying the initial panic memory. It is used as a primary treatment to treat panic attacks. EMDR helps you reprocess the event and gain a new perspective about the initial event, thus improving your self-esteem.

Commonly Asked Questions Related to Panic Attacks

Q: How Is a Panic Attack Diagnosed?

Our therapists will inquire about your symptoms, frequency of episodes, and medical history. We conduct a comprehensive assessment to rule out other conditions and determine if your experiences meet the criteria for panic disorder.

Q: Can a Panic Attack Be Prevented?

Yes. While you cannot always stop the very first wave of anxiety, therapy teaches you coping mechanisms and "grounding techniques" to recognize early warning signs. Over time, these tools can stop an attack from escalating or prevent them altogether.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Panic Attack and Panic Disorder?

A panic attack is a single episode of intense fear. Panic Disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences recurring attacks and lives in constant fear of the next one, often changing their daily routine to avoid potential triggers.

Q: What Are the Physical Symptoms of a Panic Attack?

Common symptoms include a racing heart (palpitations), shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and a feeling of unreality or detachment. Many people mistake these symptoms for a heart attack.

Q: How Long Does a Panic Attack Typically Last?

Most panic attacks reach their peak intensity within 10 minutes and rarely last longer than an hour. However, the physical exhaustion and lingering anxiety can last for the rest of the day.

Q: Can Stress Cause Panic Attacks?

Yes. Chronic stress, major life transitions (like a new job or divorce), or traumatic events can trigger panic attacks. Identifying and managing these underlying stressors is a key part of our therapy process.

Q: Do I Need Medication to Treat Panic Disorder?

Not always. While medication can help manage symptoms, psychotherapy—specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—is often the most effective long-term treatment. We work with you to build skills that last a lifetime, with or without medication.

Q: Is Online Therapy Effective for Panic Attacks?

Absolutely. Online therapy is highly effective for anxiety disorders. Being in the safety of your own home can sometimes make it easier to open up and practice calming techniques during a session.

Q: Can Children or Teenagers Have Panic Attacks?

Yes, children and teens can experience panic attacks, often manifesting as sudden behavioral changes or refusal to go to school. Our team has specialized experience working with adolescents to help them understand and manage these scary feelings.

Q: How Quickly Can I See a Psychologist in Edmonton?

We strive to see new clients as soon as possible. Please call us at 780-433-2269 to check our current availability for phone or video sessions.

Schedule an Appointment

At Gary J. Meiers, Ph.D, Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers, Ph.D. and Associates Ltd. in Edmonton, we help our clients deal with Edmonton's panic attacks through compassionate, professional care. Call our office to schedule an appointment with our registered psychologists.

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