Panic attacks can feel overwhelming, frightening, and intensely physical. Many people worry they are having a heart attack, losing control, or “going crazy” when symptoms suddenly surge. The good news is that panic attacks are common, treatable, and do not mean you are weak or broken. With a thoughtful psychiatric evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan, most people can learn to manage panic symptoms and feel more in control.
At Dr. Q, MD in Irvine, CA, Dr. Tarina Quraishi provides compassionate, evidence-based care for anxiety and panic in both Pediatric & Adult patients. As a Stanford-trained, double board-certified psychiatrist, she helps individuals and families understand what is happening, rule out related medical or mental health concerns, and create a treatment approach that fits their needs.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear or discomfort that peaks quickly, often within minutes. Panic attacks can happen unexpectedly or in response to a trigger, such as driving, crowds, conflict, school stress, or a situation associated with past anxiety. Although panic attacks are not usually dangerous, they can feel severe and very real in the moment.
Common symptoms include:
- Racing heart or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or feeling unable to get enough air
- Chest pain or tightness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
- Shaking or trembling
- Sweating or chills
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Tingling or numbness
- Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
- Fear of dying, passing out, or losing control
Some people experience a single panic attack during a stressful period. Others develop repeated attacks and begin worrying about when the next one will happen. When panic becomes recurrent and leads to ongoing fear or avoidance, it may be part of panic disorder or another anxiety condition.
How do I know if it is a panic attack or something else?
Because panic attacks can mimic medical problems, getting a professional evaluation matters. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and palpitations can overlap with cardiac issues, thyroid problems, asthma, medication side effects, substance use, or other health concerns. A careful diagnosis helps ensure that nothing important is missed.
A psychiatrist in Irvine CA can also help determine whether panic symptoms are related to panic disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, trauma-related conditions, depression, OCD, ADHD, sleep problems, or stress. In children, teens, and adults, panic may show up differently depending on age, developmental stage, and environment.
During a psychiatric evaluation, your clinician may ask about:
- When symptoms started and how often they occur
- Possible triggers such as school, work, health worries, or social situations
- Sleep, caffeine, alcohol, and substance use
- Medical history and current medications
- Family history of anxiety, panic, or mood disorders
- Avoidance behaviors, such as not driving or avoiding public places
If you are searching for panic attack diagnosis or anxiety evaluation with an Irvine psychiatrist, a comprehensive assessment can bring clarity and help guide the next steps.
What should I do during a panic attack?
In the middle of a panic attack, the goal is not to force the feeling away instantly. Instead, focus on calming your nervous system and reminding yourself that the episode will pass. Panic symptoms often peak and then gradually decrease.
- Slow your breathing. Try inhaling gently through your nose for 4 counts and exhaling for 6 counts. Longer exhales can help reduce the body’s alarm response.
- Ground yourself. Name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. This can shift attention away from catastrophic thoughts.
- Use a coping statement. Tell yourself, “This is a panic attack. It feels intense, but it will pass.”
- Loosen physical tension. Drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and place both feet on the floor.
- Reduce stimulation if possible. Step outside, sit down, or move to a quieter space.
If symptoms are new, severe, or you are unsure whether they could be medical, seek urgent medical attention. Safety comes first.
Why do panic attacks keep happening?
Panic attacks often become more frequent because of the body’s fear cycle. After a frightening episode, many people become highly alert to normal body sensations. A small change—like a skipped heartbeat, feeling warm, or mild shortness of breath—can trigger worry. That worry increases adrenaline, which then intensifies physical symptoms and reinforces the panic.
Over time, people may start avoiding situations where panic once happened, such as exercise, driving, school, meetings, stores, or travel. This avoidance can temporarily feel protective, but it often makes anxiety stronger in the long run. Early treatment can help interrupt this pattern before panic limits daily life.
In Pediatric & Adult psychiatry, it is also important to look at contributing factors such as chronic stress, perfectionism, academic pressure, burnout, trauma, hormonal changes, poor sleep, and high caffeine intake.
What is the best treatment for panic attacks?
The best treatment depends on the individual, but panic attacks are highly treatable. A personalized plan may include education, coping strategies, lifestyle changes, and medication when appropriate. The first step is a clear diagnosis and a careful understanding of what is driving the symptoms.
Treatment options may include:
- Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis to confirm whether symptoms fit panic disorder or another condition
- Medication treatment when clinically appropriate to reduce panic frequency and severity
- Behavioral strategies to manage physical symptoms and reduce avoidance
- Sleep, caffeine, and stress review to address factors that can worsen anxiety
- Family guidance for younger patients so parents know how to respond supportively without reinforcing fear
At Dr. Q, MD, treatment is tailored to each patient’s age, symptoms, goals, and medical history. For younger patients, care is developmentally informed and family-centered. For adults, treatment may also address related issues like work stress, burnout, depression, attention concerns, or insomnia. If panic symptoms overlap with other conditions, Dr. Quraishi can help coordinate a broader treatment plan.
If you have been searching for panic attack treatment, anxiety testing, or an Irvine psychiatrist for a mental health evaluation, getting expert support can make a meaningful difference.
When should I see a psychiatrist for panic attacks?
Consider seeing a psychiatrist if panic attacks are recurring, causing you to avoid places or activities, interfering with school or work, affecting sleep, or making you constantly worry about your health. You should also seek care if anxiety is occurring alongside depression, irritability, inattention, trauma symptoms, or major life stress.
Working with an experienced psychiatrist in Irvine CA can help you understand whether panic is the main issue or part of a larger picture. Early evaluation and treatment often lead to better outcomes and less disruption to daily life.
Frequently asked questions about panic attacks
Can panic attacks happen in children and teens?
Yes. Panic attacks can occur in children, teens, and adults. In younger patients, they may show up as school refusal, stomachaches, clinginess, irritability, crying, or fear of being away from parents. A Pediatric & Adult psychiatric evaluation can help clarify what is going on and identify the right treatment.
Are panic attacks dangerous?
Panic attacks themselves are usually not dangerous, but they can feel very intense. Because some symptoms overlap with medical conditions, new or concerning symptoms should be evaluated. Once panic is identified, treatment can help reduce the fear and frequency of attacks.
Can panic attacks go away with treatment?
Yes. Many people improve significantly with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Learning how panic works, reducing avoidance, improving coping skills, and using medication when appropriate can all help. With consistent care, symptoms often become much more manageable.
Get support for panic attacks in Irvine, CA
If you or your child is experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, or avoidance that is disrupting daily life, Dr. Tarina Quraishi offers thoughtful Pediatric & Adult psychiatric evaluation and treatment in Irvine, CA. As a Stanford-trained, double board-certified psychiatrist, she provides personalized care to help patients better understand their symptoms and move toward lasting relief.
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