Panic

A panic attack can feel like a physical emergency, leaving you breathless, racing-hearted, and fearful of when the next one might strike. At Life Balance Health, board-certified nurse practitioner Patrick Ollar, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, specializes in treating panic disorder through a comprehensive telehealth model. Serving adults in California, Nevada, and Oregon, Patrick helps you understand the biological "misfire" behind these attacks and provides the tools and treatments needed to regain control. Call today or book an online appointment to start living without the constant shadow of fear.

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Many people describe it as feeling like they are having a heart attack or losing control. While a single attack is distressing, recurring, unexpected attacks may indicate Panic Disorder.

At Life Balance Health, Patrick uses secure video visits to help you differentiate between general anxiety and panic, ensuring your treatment plan targets the specific physiological triggers involved in these episodes.

What are the symptoms of panic?

Panic attacks typically reach their peak within minutes and can leave you feeling exhausted. Common symptoms include:

• Rapid, pounding heart rate (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
• Chest pain or tightness
• Sweating, trembling, or shaking
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
• Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesia)
• An overwhelming sense of impending doom or "going crazy"

Why do panic attacks happen?

The exact cause of panic disorder isn't fully understood, but several factors play a role:

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety or mood disorders.
• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters that regulate the "fight or flight" response.
• Major Stress: Significant life changes, trauma, or ongoing high-stress environments.
• Biological Sensitivity: Some individuals have a nervous system that is more sensitive to carbon dioxide levels or physical sensations.

How is panic treated via telehealth?

Panic disorder is highly treatable. Through Life Balance Health’s telehealth platform, Patrick provides a combination of medical and behavioral strategies to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks:

• Psychiatric Evaluation: A deep dive into your medical history and symptom patterns to rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis.
• Medication Management: Utilizing evidence-based options like SSRIs or SNRIs to stabilize the nervous system, or "as-needed" medications to manage acute episodes.
• Panic-Focused Coaching: Learning to identify the "early warning signs" of an attack and implementing grounding techniques to de-escalate the physical response.
• Lifestyle & Trigger Analysis: Identifying external factors—such as caffeine, nicotine, or lack of sleep—that may be lowering your "panic threshold."
• Interoceptive Awareness: Helping you lean into and understand physical sensations so they no longer trigger a fear response.

Call Life Balance Health or book online to schedule your telehealth panic disorder evaluation today.