Anxiety & Panic Disorders
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, yet it is often misunderstood or dismissed as “worrying too much”. While it is normal to feel anxious from time to time, anxiety disorders occur when these feelings are persistent, overwhelming, and interfere with everyday life.
At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, we provide dedicated inpatient and outpatient programs to support individuals living with anxiety and panic disorders. Our compassionate team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors work closely with patients and their families to help them understand their condition, reduce symptoms, and regain confidence in daily life.
Types of Disorders Treated
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Overview
Generalised Anxiety Disorder involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday events or activities. People may feel anxious most days and struggle to relax, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or muscle tension.
Causes
GAD can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Stressful life experiences, trauma, or ongoing health concerns may contribute.
Prevalence in Australia
Around 3% of Australians experience GAD in any given year. It is more common in women than men and often begins in adolescence or early adulthood.
Risk Factors
Family history of anxiety, childhood adversity, chronic stress, and co-existing depression can increase risk.
Treatment Options
At Sunshine Clinic, treatment may include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches. For some patients, medication may also be prescribed. Our outpatient day programs provide structured therapy sessions, while inpatient care offers safe, intensive support during periods of crisis.
Panic Disorder
Overview
Panic disorder is characterised by sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and feelings of losing control. Panic disorder often leads to avoidance behaviours, where individuals begin to fear places or situations where attacks might occur.
Causes
A mix of genetic predisposition, altered brain chemistry, traumatic events, and high levels of stress can contribute. Panic attacks are sometimes triggered by health concerns or major life changes.
Prevalence in Australia
About 2–3% of Australians experience panic disorder each year. It often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Risk Factors
Family history of anxiety, significant life stressors, and substance misuse can heighten the likelihood of panic disorder.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on breaking the cycle of fear and avoidance. CBT, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques are highly effective. Sunshine Clinic offers both inpatient stabilisation and outpatient day programs designed to teach patients practical strategies to reduce panic attacks and restore daily functioning.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Overview
Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of being judged, criticised, or humiliated in social situations. This fear can be so severe that it disrupts work, study, relationships, and social life.
Causes
Contributing factors include genetics, negative social experiences, personality traits such as shyness, and overactivity in brain areas linked to fear.
Prevalence in Australia
Social anxiety disorder affects around 4.7% of Australians each year, making it one of the most common anxiety disorders.
Risk Factors
Adverse childhood experiences, bullying, and family history of anxiety are key risk factors.
Treatment Options
Treatment often involves CBT to challenge unhelpful thought patterns, ACT to build resilience, and group therapy to practise social skills in a supportive environment. Sunshine Clinic also offers creative therapies such as art and movement therapy, which can help individuals express themselves and rebuild confidence.
Specific Phobias
Overview
Specific phobias involve intense, irrational fears of certain objects or situations, such as flying, heights, or medical procedures. Exposure to the feared object or situation usually triggers immediate anxiety or panic.
Causes
Phobias often develop after negative experiences but can also arise without an obvious cause. Learned behaviour and genetics may also play a role.
Prevalence in Australia
Specific phobias affect about 5% of Australians in any given year, making them the most common type of anxiety disorder.
Treatment Options
Exposure therapy and CBT are highly effective in treating phobias. Sunshine Clinic provides personalised outpatient programs that gradually reduce fear while building confidence and coping skills.
Post-Traumatic Panic & Anxiety
Overview
Some patients develop significant anxiety or panic following a traumatic event. While this overlaps with trauma-related presentations and PTSD, anxiety and panic may persist independently and require targeted treatment.
Causes
Linked to trauma exposure, such as accidents, natural disasters, or interpersonal violence.
Prevalence in Australia
One in ten Australians will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with anxiety and panic being common associated symptoms.
Treatment Options
At Sunshine Clinic, specialised outpatient programs for PTSD and trauma include DBT, mindfulness, and creative therapies. For those with severe or persistent symptoms, inpatient care may provide stability and safety.
Why Choose Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital?
Anxiety and panic disorders can feel isolating, exhausting, and even frightening. But they are highly treatable conditions. At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, we provide:
- A team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors with expertise in anxiety disorders
- Inpatient support for those experiencing acute distress or panic
- Structured outpatient day programs, including CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness
- Access to innovative therapies such as rTMS for treatment-resistant anxiety or co-existing mood conditions
- Holistic therapies such as creative arts, music, and movement programs to support emotional expression and healing
We believe no one should have to live in the grip of constant fear or worry. With the right treatment, individuals can overcome anxiety and panic, reclaim daily life, and move towards a calmer, more confident future.
Comprehensive Private Mental Health Care in Melbourne’s West
Sunshine Clinic offers psychiatry consulting services, as well as inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to support recovery, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.