Panic Disorder Treatment in Columbus, OH
Break the cycle of fear and avoidance—CBT with interoceptive & situational exposure, practical skills, and personalized medication management.
Provider: Joshua Ndematebem, PMHNP-BC — Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Contact & Location
Address: 3184 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43204
Phone: 614-655-4524
Email: info@arizonwellness.com
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder involves repeated, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having another attack or its consequences. Many people begin to avoid places (stores, highways, crowds) or internal sensations (exercise, caffeine) for fear of triggering symptoms—sometimes evolving into agoraphobia. Effective, skills-based care helps you regain confidence and mobility.
Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks
- Racing heartbeat, chest tightness, shortness of breath
- Dizziness, shaking, sweating, chills or hot flashes
- Tingling or numbness; nausea or GI upset
- Fear of dying, fainting, or “going crazy”
- Sense of unreality (derealization) or detachment (depersonalization)
Safety — New chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath warrants urgent medical evaluation (call 911).
Why Panic Persists
- Catastrophic misinterpretation of normal bodily sensations
- Avoidance of triggers (exercise, heat, crowds) and “safety behaviors”
- Stress, sleep loss, caffeine/nicotine, and substance use
- Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma history
We target both the sensations and the interpretations that fuel the panic cycle.
Evaluation: How We Assess
- Detailed history of attacks, triggers, avoidance, and impact on life
- Medical and medication review (thyroid, stimulants, asthma, cardiac)
- Screening for agoraphobia, generalized anxiety, depression, and trauma
- Collaborative goals and safety planning
Clarity about your panic pattern informs a practical, stepwise plan to get you moving again.
Panic Disorder Treatment at Arizon Wellness
CBT with Interoceptive & Situational Exposure
Learn to intentionally bring on feared sensations (e.g., fast breathing, heart pounding) in a safe, controlled way—and practice entering avoided places—so your brain relearns that sensations are uncomfortable, not dangerous.
Skills & Lifestyle
Breathing and pacing strategies, sleep optimization, caffeine/nicotine planning, and stress routines. We build confidence through incremental wins and relapse-prevention planning.
Medication Management
SSRIs/SNRIs can reduce panic frequency and anticipatory anxiety. We individualize dosing and taper thoughtfully. Short-term benzodiazepines may be considered selectively; we discuss risks and alternatives.
Telehealth & Stepwise Care
Many exposures can start via secure telehealth and transition to real-world practice. We coordinate with your primary care when medical workup is indicated.
Request an AppointmentWhen to Seek Help
- Fear of panic limits driving, shopping, travel, or work/school
- Frequent ER/urgent visits with negative medical workups
- Avoiding exercise, heat, or social events due to sensations
- Use of alcohol or sedatives to cope with anxiety
If you feel unsafe or think you may harm yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is panic disorder?
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with ongoing worry or behavior change related to future attacks.
What is a panic attack?
A sudden surge of intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling, and fear of losing control, peaking within minutes.
How is it treated?
CBT with interoceptive and situational exposure, skills training, and—when indicated—SSRIs/SNRIs. We personalize the plan and monitor progress.
Are benzodiazepines used?
Sometimes short-term, but we prioritize CBT-based approaches since daily benzodiazepine use can hinder exposure learning and carry dependency risk.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Many components of panic treatment work well via secure virtual visits.
