When Fear Feels Sudden and Uncontrollable — You’re Not Alone

Panic Disorder can feel sudden and overwhelming. Intense fear or physical symptoms — even without a clear cause — may lead to avoidance, distress, and loss of confidence. Fullarton Clinic offers expert support to help you manage panic and regain control.

Understanding Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is a type of Anxiety Disorder involving repeated and unexpected panic attacks. These episodes may be accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or fear of dying — often mistaken for a medical emergency.

Over time, the fear of having another panic attack can lead to lifestyle restrictions, avoidance, and generalised anxiety. Many people with Panic Disorder also experience Agoraphobia or other co-occurring conditions such as Depression.

A women experiencing symptoms of Panic Disorder. If you need treatment for pnaic disorder, help is available at Fullarton Clinic

Panic Disorder is highly treatable.

Fullarton Clinic, offers structured, respectful care to help reduce symptoms, rebuild confidence, and support sustained wellness.

 

Panic Disorder

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022), Panic Disorder affects an estimated 3.7% of Australians each year — with rates higher among women. This shows that panic is more common than many realise, and support can make a real difference.

Source – (ABS, 2022)

 
 
 
 
A person experiencing debilitating symptoms associated with Panic Disorder. Treatment options for Panic Disorder are available at Fullarton Clinic

Signs You May Need Support

You may benefit from care for Panic Disorder if you:
  • Experience sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort (panic attacks)
  • Worry about when the next panic attack will happen
  • Avoid places or situations where escaping might feel difficult
  • Feel anxious about your physical health despite no medical cause
  • Limit activities (e.g. travel, work, public spaces) due to fear of panic

Understanding the Different Types of Anxiety

While the word “Anxiety” is often used in everyday conversation, not all experiences of anxiousness are the same. The table below explains how general feelings of anxiety differ from clinical anxiety disorders, such as Panic Disorder.

A table detailing the different types of anxiety including social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder

Anxiety disorders can shape daily life in powerful ways — from avoiding everyday tasks to experiencing distressing physical symptoms.

  • Panic Disorder may involve sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort (panic attacks), often without a clear trigger. These episodes can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a racing heart, and may lead you to avoid places or situations where you fear an attack could occur. Over time, this can limit independence and confidence in daily routines.
  • Agoraphobia may cause you to withdraw from daily routines. For some, even leaving home or taking public transport feels overwhelming. It’s often linked with Panic Disorder or Depression.
  • Social phobia can quietly erode confidence at work, in education, or relationships. Many people mask their Anxiety for years before seeking help.

Fullarton Clinic understands the impact Panic Disorder can have on your life.

With structured, compassionate support, it’s possible to transition toward a more stable and fulfilling lived experience.

An image of the small logo, emblem for Fullarton Clinic private hospital in Epping

Your Mental Health Support Starts Here

Our team at Fullarton Clinic offers personalised Panic Disorder care in a safe, structured setting.
Your treatment plan is tailored to your unique experience, goals, and preferences.

1

Personalised Panic Disorder Care

Comprehensive Psychiatric assessment and tailored treatment planning based on your symptoms, experiences, and long term goals.

2

High Quality Treatment

CBT is the most established therapy for Panic Disorder, often combined with interoceptive exposure. ACT or DBT may also be used to support emotional regulation and long-term resilience.

3

Pharmacy Services

Where clinically appropriate, medication can help regulate panic and anxiety symptoms, supporting a more stable and manageable lived experience.

4

Comprehensive Therapy

Including individual counselling, group therapy, and holistic wellness programs such as physical activity and creative therapies.

5

Education and Psychoeducation

Understanding the Panic cycle and what’s happening in your body can help reduce fear and restore confidence.

6

Coordinate with Your Team

We work with your GP, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist to ensure seamless communication and continuity of care.

7

Dual Diagnosis Support

Identifying and treating coexisting medical conditions.

8

Screening for Chronic Disease

During your stay, we screen for and manage any chronic health issues that may be affecting your overall wellbeing.

9

Aftercare Support

Structured Day Programs and discharge planning help you maintain progress and prevent relapse after leaving hospital care.

Additional Treatment Options for Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder may be connected with other mental health or functional concerns. We also provide:

  • Trauma-Informed Support: Where past experiences mean panic has led to fear of leaving the house
  • Mood Disorder Care: For overlapping conditions, including Depression or emotional distress
  • Addiction Treatment: For when Panic Disorder is co-occurring with Substance Misuse.

Explore Our Programs

For some individuals, traditional approaches for Panic Disorder may not provide enough relief. Fullarton Clinic also offers:

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive treatment using magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation. Often recommended when medications are ineffective or not well tolerated.

Learn More About TMS

Experienced clinicians in our supportive, private hospital setting oversee your care throughout the program.

With the right support, most people find they can manage symptoms, rebuild their confidence, and return to the activities they enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How do I know if I have Panic Disorder and not just Anxiety?
Panic Disorder involves distinct episodes of sudden, intense fear (panic attacks), often with physical symptoms. If you're avoiding life activities due to fear of another attack, specialist support can help.
2Are panic attacks dangerous?
Panic attacks are distressing but not life-threatening. That said, the fear they bring is real and valid — and you're not expected to manage it alone.
3Can Panic Disorder go away on its own?
Without treatment, panic attacks can become more frequent or limiting. With the right therapy and support, most people see significant improvement.
4What’s the best treatment for Panic Disorder?
CBT, often paired with exposure therapy, is highly effective. For some, short-term medication may also assist in stabilising symptoms.
5Do you support people with multiple mental health diagnoses?
Yes. Panic Disorder commonly overlaps with Agoraphobia, Depression, or Addiction. We develop a care plan that supports your full mental health picture.
6Is Panic Disorder treatment covered by private health insurance?
In most cases, yes. Private health insurance generally covers most or all of the costs associated with Inpatient Treatment and Day Programs for Panic Disorder. Our intake team can help you check your policy and clarify any potential out-of-pocket costs or gap fees before admission.
7How long will I need to stay?
Inpatient care is usually short term and focused. Ongoing Day Programs may be offered to provide ongoing, step-down care to support sustained wellness.
8Will you keep my GP updated?
Yes. With your permission, we collaborate with your existing providers for continuity and shared understanding.

Explore our Mental Health Treatment Programs

Our dedicated mental health hospital in Epping offers both Inpatient and Outpatient Programs in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
A man participating in group therapy for Panic Disorder. Inpatient mental health programs and day programs are available at Fullarton Clinic in Melbourne for Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder Treatment Program

Panic Disorder treatment starts with expert care.

Our Inpatient Program provides structured support to help manage Panic Disorder symptoms, improve functioning, and reduce overwhelm.

Learn More
Individual and group counselling as part of the Day Programs at Fullarton Clinic a private mental health facility in melbourne

Mental Health Day Programs

Stay supported and stay on track — our Day Programs are here to help you continue progressing after completing Inpatient care.

Receive ongoing mental health support in the same safe and familiar hospital environment.

Learn More

Ready to talk?

To begin care at Fullarton Clinic with one of our Panic Disorder specialists, you'll need to be under the care of a Psychiatrist with admitting rights. If you don’t have one, your GP can refer you — or our team can assist with next steps.

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