What it is
Panic disorder can lead people to avoid places or situations, which can affect daily life.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the main treatment. Antidepressant medicines can also help. Breathing exercises can ease an attack.
Common signs
- A pounding or racing heartbeat
- Feeling faint, dizzy or shaky
- Shortness of breath or a choking feeling
- Chest tightness
- Sweating or chills
- Feeling of losing control or dread
How it is usually diagnosed
- Talking with a GP about symptoms
- Checks to rule out physical causes, such as an ECG or blood tests
- Assessment by a mental health professional
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP notes
- ECG and blood test results
- Therapy plans
- Medicine lists
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could anything physical be causing this?
- How do I get talking therapy?
- What can I do during an attack?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain that does not ease, or thoughts of harming yourself: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.