Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack, sudden surges of fear, racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of losing control. Many people visit emergency rooms before learning these episodes are panic related. At Cura Mind and Wellness, patients across the Houston metro receive expert, evidence based care for panic disorder and related conditions. We provide in person visits in Richmond, TX and secure telepsychiatry across Houston and Fort Bend County.
Care is led by Vivian Emuobe, MSN, BSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner experienced in both inpatient and outpatient care. She combines structured therapy, coping strategies, and medication support when needed to help patients break the cycle of panic and regain confidence.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. Symptoms may include:
- Racing heart or palpitations,
- Shortness of breath or choking sensations,
- Chest pain or pressure,
- Dizziness or lightheadedness,
- Trembling, sweating, or hot flashes,
- Tingling or numbness,
- Fear of losing control or dying,
- Derealization, feeling detached from reality.
When these attacks occur repeatedly and unpredictably, or lead to avoidance of situations, they may indicate panic disorder.
Why panic attacks happen
The exact cause is often a mix of biology and life experience. Contributing factors include:
- Stress and trauma, especially after sudden life changes or loss,
- Genetic predisposition, family history of anxiety or mood disorders,
- Neurobiology, heightened sensitivity of the body’s fight or flight system,
- Medical contributors, thyroid disorders, heart rhythm problems, or stimulant use,
- Lifestyle triggers, high caffeine, alcohol withdrawal, sleep deprivation.
A thorough evaluation rules out medical causes while addressing psychological contributors.
How panic attacks affect daily life
- Fear of having another attack creates anticipatory anxiety,
- Avoidance of driving, crowded places, or meetings limits independence,
- Repeated ER visits increase stress and costs,
- Work performance declines due to fatigue and distraction,
- Relationships suffer when social activities are restricted,
- Co-occurring depression or substance use may develop as coping attempts.
Our evaluation process
We begin with a structured intake:
- Medical review, ruling out heart, lung, or thyroid conditions,
- Symptom mapping, frequency, triggers, and duration of panic episodes,
- Co-occurring screening, anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, or ADHD,
- Lifestyle factors, sleep, caffeine, and alcohol use,
- Patient goals, drive without fear, attend social events, reduce ER visits.
A 12 week recovery roadmap
- Weeks 1-2: Intake, medical screening, initial CBT, breathing skills, safety planning,
- Weeks 3-6: Cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposures, practice coping scripts,
- Weeks 7-10: Gradual real-world exposures, medication review if needed, mindfulness training,
- Weeks 11-12: Relapse prevention, long term plan, holiday and travel strategies.
The roadmap adjusts based on pace and comfort level.
Treatment at Cura Mind and Wellness
Therapy and coping skills
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, identifies catastrophic thoughts and teaches patients to challenge them,
- Exposure based therapy, gradual and safe reintroduction to feared situations,
- Interoceptive exposure, practicing sensations like rapid breathing in a controlled setting to reduce fear of bodily cues,
- Breathing and relaxation techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding exercises,
- Mindfulness, observing sensations without judgment and reducing spirals of fear.
Medication support
Medication may be considered when panic is severe or disabling. Options may include:
- SSRIs or SNRIs, first line treatments for panic disorder,
- Benzodiazepines, for short term relief in severe cases, used conservatively to avoid dependence,
- Beta-blockers, to reduce physical symptoms like heart racing.
When medication history shows side effects or poor response, pharmacogenomic gene testing at our Richmond office helps personalize selection.
Lifestyle adjustments
- Regular sleep and exercise to stabilize the nervous system,
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol that fuel panic,
- Balanced nutrition to regulate blood sugar and energy,
- Structured routines that lower unpredictability and stress.
Houston context, practical tools
Patients in Houston often report panic triggers tied to:
- Traffic and long commutes, attacks beginning on congested freeways,
- High pressure jobs, performance anxiety in energy, tech, or health care sectors,
- Heat and humidity, physical discomfort mistaken for panic symptoms,
- Large venues, stadiums, malls, and airports avoided due to crowds.
We design tools that fit daily life: breathing exercises in the car, grounding before presentations, and tailored exposure hierarchies for safe reentry into feared situations.
Progress markers we track
- Fewer attacks per week or month,
- Lower intensity and faster recovery during attacks,
- Return to driving, shopping, or working without avoidance,
- Decline in ER visits or urgent care trips,
- Improved sleep and energy,
- Renewed participation in social and family life.
FAQs – Panic Attacks in Houston and Richmond
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They feel intense but are not life threatening. We always rule out medical causes first to ensure safety.
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Not always. Many patients improve with CBT and coping skills. Medication helps when attacks are frequent or disabling.
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Yes. CBT and exposure therapy are highly effective. With consistent practice, attacks become less frequent and less intense.
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Some patients notice improvement within weeks. Most build lasting progress over several months.
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Yes. Skills training, CBT, and follow ups work well online. In person sessions are available in Richmond.
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We develop stepwise exposure plans, including support tools and safe practice, to gradually reduce driving related anxiety.
Why patients choose Cura Mind and Wellness
- Board certified expertise, psychiatric nurse practitioner with deep anxiety treatment experience,
- Integrated care, therapy, medication, and lifestyle strategies in one practice,
- Real-world planning, coping scripts built for Houston commutes, jobs, and family life,
- Local access, in person care in Richmond, telepsychiatry across Houston,
- Compassionate approach, stigma free, private, and practical.
Start regaining calm and confidence
Panic disorder does not have to control your life. At Cura Mind and Wellness, we provide evidence based therapy, medication support, and practical skills to help patients across Houston reclaim stability. With in person services in Richmond and secure telepsychiatry, help is close by and completely private.