Can a panic attack happen while I am sleeping?

Yes, nocturnal panic attacks can occur. You may wake up suddenly in a state of extreme fear, experiencing a racing heart, sweating, and shortness of breath. These attacks are similar to daytime panic attacks but happen without an obvious awake trigger. They can disrupt sleep patterns and cause anxiety about going to bed. Treatment, including therapy and medication, is highly effective for nocturnal panic attacks. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

How long does a typical panic attack last?

A typical panic attack comes on suddenly and reaches its peak intensity within about 10 minutes. Most attacks begin to subside within 20 to 30 minutes. However, the physical exhaustion and lingering feelings of anxiety or dread can last for hours after the acute attack has ended. Understanding this timeline can help you ride out the symptoms safely. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

Is panic disorder the same as having a panic attack?

No. Anyone can have an isolated panic attack due to severe stress. However, panic disorder is diagnosed when an adult experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spends at least a month living in constant fear of having another one. This fear often leads to changing behaviors, like avoiding certain places. Both are treatable conditions. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

Can panic attacks cause permanent physical damage?

While panic attacks cause intense, terrifying physical symptoms like chest pain and a racing heart, they do not cause permanent physical damage to your heart or other organs. The fight-or-flight response is a natural bodily function. However, the chronic stress associated with untreated panic disorder can affect your overall well-being, making treatment essential. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

What is the fastest way to stop a panic attack?

The fastest way to manage an acute panic attack is to engage your parasympathetic nervous system through deep, slow diaphragmatic breathing (e.g., inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds). Grounding techniques, like the 5-4-3-2-1 method, or splashing cold water on your face, can also rapidly interrupt the panic cycle. Some patients may also use prescribed fast-acting medications. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

Do I have to take medication for panic attacks?

Medication is not strictly required for panic attack treatment, though it is highly recommended for many adults. Some patients achieve excellent results with psychotherapy (like CBT) and lifestyle changes alone. Your psychiatric provider will discuss all options with you and help you decide if a combination of therapy and medication is the best path for your specific symptoms. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

Can caffeine trigger a panic attack?

Yes, high doses of caffeine can trigger panic attacks in susceptible individuals. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It causes your heart rate to increase and can induce jitters, which the brain may misinterpret as the onset of a panic attack, leading to actual panic. Limiting caffeine is a standard recommendation for those with panic disorder. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

Will my health insurance cover panic attack treatment?

Most major health insurance plans cover mental health services, including panic attack treatment. SNBCare accepts several major insurance plans, including BCBS, Aetna, MassHealth, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. Coverage details can vary based on your specific policy, so our administrative team is available to help verify your benefits before your first appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

How do I know if I am having a panic attack or a heart attack?

Panic attacks and heart attacks share symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. However, panic attack pain is usually sharp and localized, peaking in 10 minutes. Heart attack pain often feels like crushing pressure that radiates to the arm or jaw and does not subside. If you are ever in doubt, seek emergency medical attention immediately. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

What is agoraphobia, and how is it related to panic attacks?

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if a panic attack occurs. It often develops as a complication of panic disorder, as individuals begin to avoid places where they previously experienced attacks (like crowded spaces or public transit). Therapy is highly effective for agoraphobia. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

Does SNBCare treat teenagers with panic attacks?

No, SNBCare specializes exclusively in adult mental healthcare. We provide psychiatric services and panic attack treatment only for patients who are 18 years of age and older. This allows our providers to focus deeply on the unique stressors, lifestyle factors, and medical needs specific to adult patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

Are virtual telehealth appointments as effective as in-person visits?

Extensive research shows that telehealth is just as effective as in-person care for treating anxiety and panic disorders. Telehealth allows you to receive therapy and medication management via secure video from the comfort of your home, which is especially beneficial for adults with busy schedules or those experiencing agoraphobia. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

How quickly can I get an appointment at SNBCare?

We understand that waiting for mental health treatment is difficult. At SNBCare, we prioritize accessible care. For new adult patients seeking evaluation and treatment for panic attacks, appointments are often available within approximately one week of contacting our office. Availability may vary slightly by location and provider schedule. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

What happens if my current panic attack medication stops working?

It is not uncommon for adults to develop a tolerance to a medication or for its effectiveness to wane over time. If your symptoms return, do not stop taking your medication abruptly. Contact your psychiatric provider. They can safely adjust your dosage, switch you to a different medication class, or augment your treatment plan with therapy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

Can exercise help prevent panic attacks?

Yes, regular aerobic exercise is highly beneficial for preventing panic attacks. Exercise burns off excess stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, releases mood-boosting endorphins, and helps regulate your nervous system. It also acts as a natural way to desensitize your brain to physical arousal, proving that a rapid heart rate is not always a sign of danger. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: snbcare.com

What is the difference between an OCD psychiatrist and a therapist?

A psychiatrist (or psychiatric nurse practitioner) is a highly trained medical professional who focuses on the biological and neurochemical aspects of OCD. Specifically, they are licensed to securely diagnose conditions, order lab tests, and prescribe medications to balance brain chemistry. A therapist, conversely, specializes in non-medical treatments, primarily Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, which is the gold standard for OCD. At SNBCare, our providers handle the pharmacological management of your care. Ultimately, we strongly encourage working alongside an ERP therapist for the best possible outcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: https://snbcare.com/contact-us/

How do I know if I need a psychiatrist for OCD?

Determining if you need a psychiatrist involves assessing how OCD impacts your daily life. For instance, if your intrusive thoughts and compulsions are severely disrupting your career, ruining your sleep, or consuming hours of your day, medication may be a highly effective medical path forward. Additionally, if you are finding ERP therapy too terrifying to engage in due to high anxiety, medication helps immensely. Subsequently, our licensed providers at SNBCare will review your medical history confidentially to see if a pharmacological approach aligns with your recovery goals. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: https://snbcare.com/contact-us/

How do I know if I need ADHD medication as an adult?

Determining if you need ADHD medication involves a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. If your symptoms—such as chronic disorganization, inability to focus, extreme procrastination, or impulsive behavior—are severely impacting your job performance, intimate relationships, or daily functioning, medication may be a highly effective option. A licensed provider at SNBCare will review your complete medical history, current struggles, and symptom severity to see if pharmacological intervention aligns with your personal goals. Medication is never mandatory, but it is often the most effective tool available to adults. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: https://snbcare.com/contact-us/

Are ADHD medications safe for adults?

Yes, when prescribed and rigorously monitored by a qualified psychiatric provider, ADHD medications are generally considered very safe and highly effective for adults. However, like all prescription drugs, they carry potential risks and side effects. Stimulants, for example, can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, which is exactly why your provider will conduct a thorough cardiovascular screening before initiating any treatment. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to consistently monitor your physical and mental response to the medication, ensuring long-term safety. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: https://snbcare.com/contact-us/

Shannon Lee Derby, LMHC, CAC

Personal Info

I am a Florida-based Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Addiction Counselor with over 30 years of extensive clinical experience.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling—which serves as the foundation for my clinical licensure—complemented by a PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from a religiously accredited institution. My clinical specialties include addiction treatment, relapse prevention, and clinical supervision.
Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to elevating patient care and advancing the
behavioral health field. I spent 24 years with the State of Connecticut Department of Correction,
serving 17 years as a Correctional Counselor and 3 years as a Correctional Counselor Supervisor within the Addiction Treatment Unit. Since 2020, I have also served as Adjunct Faculty at Grand Canyon University, teaching practicum and internship courses to the next generation of clinicians. Additionally, I maintain active memberships in the American Counseling Association and other leading professional organizations.
I am pleased to continue my journey with SNBCare, focusing on providing specialized, individualized treatment. My goal is to support clients through life transitions by fostering a safe, collaborative environment where you feel seen, empowered, and equipped to achieve a fulfilling life.