Wayne Mental Health CenterMental health inquiry resource

Mental Health Services in Wayne, NJ

Panic Attack Treatment

Support for sudden fear surges, physical alarm sensations, avoidance, and fear of future panic attacks.

Need urgent support? This website is not an emergency service. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In the U.S., call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for mental health crisis support.

Panic attacks can feel frightening and physically intense. Treatment often focuses on understanding the alarm cycle, reducing fear of sensations, and carefully rebuilding activities that panic has started to restrict.

  • Psychotherapy
  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Skills Training

What to expect

  • Sudden episodes of intense fear with racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest tightness.
  • Fear of another panic attack or avoidance of places where panic happened before.
  • Repeated urgent-care or emergency visits after frightening physical sensations.
  • Panic symptoms that overlap with health anxiety, agoraphobia, trauma, or substance use.

Approaches we use

  • Education about panic cycles and how fear of sensations can keep panic going.
  • CBT and interoceptive exposure to practice responding differently to body sensations.
  • Gradual return-to-activity planning for driving, stores, work, school, or social settings.
  • Medication evaluation when symptoms, history, or preference suggest it may help.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Who this helps

  • People who feel controlled by fear of panic.
  • Adults avoiding travel, exercise, public places, or being alone because of panic.
  • Individuals who want a practical plan beyond reassurance.
  • People who have ruled out urgent medical concerns but still experience panic symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

  • Should panic symptoms be medically checked?
    New, severe, or unusual physical symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional. Mental health treatment can help once urgent medical concerns are addressed.
  • Does panic treatment require exposure work?
    Exposure-based strategies are common for panic, but they should be planned carefully, explained clearly, and matched to the person's readiness and clinical needs.
  • Can panic attacks happen with other conditions?
    Yes. Panic can overlap with generalized anxiety, PTSD, depression, substance use, medical concerns, or medication effects, so assessment matters.

Related services