A panic attack can feel overwhelming, frightening, and very physical. Many people worry they are having a heart attack, losing control, or "going crazy." In reality, panic attacks are common and treatable, but they should still be taken seriously because the symptoms can overlap with medical conditions that need prompt evaluation. If you are searching for a psychiatrist in Irvine CA or an Irvine psychiatrist for panic attack diagnosis and treatment, understanding what panic attacks are is the first step toward getting the right care.
At Dr. Q, MD, Dr. Tarina Quraishi provides evidence-based Pediatric & Adult psychiatric care in Irvine, CA. As a Stanford-trained, double board-certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist, she evaluates panic symptoms in the context of the whole person, including medical history, stress, sleep, lifestyle, and newer advances in brain-body medicine such as mitochondrial psychiatry and the role of cellular energy in mental health.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. It may happen unexpectedly or in response to a trigger such as driving, crowds, conflict, school stress, or a body sensation that feels alarming. Some people have one or two panic attacks in their lifetime, while others develop recurring episodes and begin to fear the attacks themselves.
Common symptoms include:
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or a feeling of being unable to get enough air
- Chest pain or chest tightness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
- Sweating, trembling, or shaking
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Tingling or numbness
- Feeling detached from reality or from yourself
- Fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy
Although panic attacks are not dangerous in themselves, they can be deeply distressing and can lead to avoidance behaviors that affect work, school, travel, sleep, and relationships.
How do I know if it is a panic attack or something medical?
This is one of the most important questions patients ask. Panic symptoms can mimic medical problems, including asthma, arrhythmias, thyroid disease, medication side effects, vestibular disorders, and cardiac conditions. That is why a thoughtful psychiatric evaluation should include screening for medical contributors rather than assuming symptoms are "just anxiety."
You should seek urgent medical care right away if symptoms are new, severe, associated with fainting, occur during exertion, or include persistent chest pain, neurological symptoms, or other concerning changes. Once emergency causes have been ruled out, a psychiatric diagnosis can help explain recurrent episodes and guide treatment.
A comprehensive panic attack evaluation may include review of:
- Symptom pattern and triggers
- Medical history and family history
- Caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, alcohol, or stimulant use
- Sleep quality and stress load
- Current medications and supplements
- Need for medical testing or coordination with primary care
For children, teens, and adults, Dr. Quraishi tailors diagnosis and treatment recommendations to developmental stage, school or work demands, and family context.
Why do panic attacks happen?
Panic attacks are not a sign of weakness. They reflect a real brain-body alarm response. In some people, the nervous system becomes more sensitive to internal sensations such as a skipped heartbeat, a rush of adrenaline, or changes in breathing. The brain may misinterpret these sensations as dangerous, which amplifies fear and creates a cycle of escalating symptoms.
Risk factors can include genetics, chronic stress, trauma, sleep deprivation, anxiety disorders, depression, hormonal changes, and certain substances. Advances in psychiatry also point to the importance of metabolic health and mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the energy-producing structures in our cells, and emerging research in mitochondrial psychiatry suggests that impaired cellular energy regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupted stress signaling may contribute to anxiety vulnerability in some patients. While this science is still evolving, it supports a more integrative understanding of panic symptoms that goes beyond a purely psychological model.
In practice, this means effective treatment may include not only standard psychiatric care but also attention to sleep, nutrition, exercise, substance use, medical conditions, and overall physiologic resilience.
How is panic disorder diagnosed?
A single panic attack does not necessarily mean you have panic disorder. Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person has recurrent panic attacks and then spends significant time worrying about more attacks or changing behavior to avoid them. Examples include avoiding driving on the freeway, skipping school, avoiding exercise because it raises heart rate, or refusing to be alone.
During a psychiatric evaluation, the clinician also considers other conditions that can overlap with panic, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, trauma-related disorders, depression, ADHD, and substance-related issues. In Pediatric & Adult psychiatry, accurate diagnosis matters because treatment planning often changes depending on the bigger picture.
If attention problems, academic stress, or executive functioning challenges are contributing to anxiety, these may also need to be addressed as part of a complete care plan. Related services such as diagnostic evaluation, medication management, and school-based support recommendations can be important for younger patients.
What are the best treatment options for panic attacks?
The good news is that panic attacks are highly treatable. The best treatment depends on symptom severity, age, medical history, and whether panic occurs on its own or alongside other psychiatric conditions.
- Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
Treatment starts with careful assessment. This helps rule out medical causes, identify panic disorder if present, and clarify whether other conditions are contributing. - Medication management when appropriate
Evidence-based medications can reduce panic frequency and intensity for some patients. Medication decisions should be individualized and monitored by a qualified psychiatrist. - Behavioral strategies and psychoeducation
Learning what panic is, how the body alarm system works, and how avoidance maintains symptoms can be very effective. Breathing retraining and exposure-based approaches are commonly used as part of comprehensive care. - Lifestyle and physiologic support
Reducing excess caffeine, improving sleep, treating underlying medical issues, and supporting metabolic health can make a meaningful difference. This is one area where advances in mitochondrial psychiatry and personalized mental health care are especially relevant. - Family-guided Pediatric treatment when needed
For children and adolescents, treatment often includes parent education, school coordination, and developmentally appropriate strategies to reduce avoidance and restore functioning.
If you are looking for panic attack treatment in Irvine, CA, working with a psychiatrist who treats both younger patients and adults can be especially helpful when anxiety affects multiple family members or when symptoms evolve across developmental stages.
When should I see a psychiatrist for panic attacks?
You should consider seeing a psychiatrist if panic attacks are recurring, affecting your daily functioning, causing avoidance, disrupting sleep, or leading to repeated urgent care or ER visits. Early treatment can reduce the risk of panic becoming more entrenched over time.
At Dr. Q, MD, patients in Irvine and surrounding Orange County communities can receive thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric evaluation and treatment from Dr. Tarina Quraishi. Her approach combines strong clinical training with attention to newer scientific advances, helping patients understand both the psychological and biological dimensions of panic symptoms.
Can panic attacks happen in children or teens?
Yes. Panic attacks can occur in children and adolescents, though they may describe them differently, such as feeling suddenly sick, unable to breathe, or terrified something bad will happen. Pediatric evaluation is important because anxiety can affect school attendance, social functioning, and family routines.
How long does a panic attack last?
Most panic attacks peak within minutes and begin to improve shortly afterward, though the after-effects can last longer. Some people feel drained, shaky, or worried for hours after an episode.
Do I need testing for panic attacks?
Sometimes. Testing depends on your symptoms, age, medical history, medications, and risk factors. A psychiatrist may recommend coordination with your primary care physician or other medical specialists if additional evaluation is needed.
Get Expert Panic Attack Evaluation and Treatment in Irvine, CA
If you or your child is experiencing panic attacks, professional help can make a meaningful difference. Dr. Tarina Quraishi at Dr. Q, MD offers compassionate, evidence-based Pediatric & Adult psychiatric care in Irvine, CA, including diagnosis, medication management, and personalized treatment planning.
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