Panic attacks
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What you will find on this page
What is a panic attack
Some causes of panic attacks
The signs and symptoms of a panic attacks
What is a panic disorder
Criteria for diagnosis of panic disorder
Treatments for panic disorder
Who else can help
What is a panic attack
A panic attack is when you get a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety for no apparent reason. A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing.
Some causes of panic attacks
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Significant life changes such as losing a job, becoming a parent, or facing imprisonment
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Experiencing a significant personal loss, including bereavement, or the breakdown of a relationship with a loved one
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Alcohol, drugs or medication withdrawal
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Side effects of medication
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Smoking or excessive caffeine intake.
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An existing mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Family history of panic attacks or panic disorder.
The signs and symptoms of a panic attacks
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Sense of terror, or impending doom or death
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Feeling a loss of control
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Heart is racing
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Feeling like your legs are shaky or are turning to jelly
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Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
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Start to sweat or having chills
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Chest pains
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Breathing difficulties
What is a panic disorder
Not everyone who has panic attacks has panic disorder. A Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you have frequent attacks of panic or fear.
Criteria for diagnosis of panic disorder
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Your panic attacks are frequent
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Your panic attacks aren't caused by a medical condition, or another mental health condition or drugs or other substance misuse.
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At least one of your attacks has been followed by 4 weeks or more or more of persistent worrying about having another attack; In fear of the consequences of another attack, such as, having a heart attack or "going crazy"; or significant changes in your behavior, such as avoiding situations or places that you think may trigger a panic attack.
Your GP can help if you are experiencing symptoms of panic disorder. They'll usually ask you to describe your symptoms, how often you get them, and how long you have had them.
You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if your panic attacks are regular and unexpected followed by at least 4 weeks of persistent worry or concern about having another panic attack.
Treatments for panic disorder
Treatment for panic disorder involves a combination of therapies, medicine and self help and aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.
Psychological therapies
You can refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service for treatment based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your therapist may discuss with you how you react when you have a panic attack and what you think about. They can show you a range of ways of changing your behaviour to help you keep calm during an attack.
Medicine
Your GP may prescribe you medicine such as antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant.
Antidepressants can take 2 to 4 weeks before they start to work, and up to 8 weeks to work fully.
Referral to a specialist
A mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist will be available to carry out an assessment and develop a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.
Who else can help
No More Panic
Provides information, support and advice for those with panic disorder, anxiety, phobias or OCD, including a forum and chat room.
No Panic
Provides a helpline, step-by-step programmes, and support for people with anxiety disorders.
Anxiety Care UK
Helps people with anxiety disorders.
Anxiety UK
Advice and support for people living with anxiety.
NHS Service Finder
Searchable database of NHS services in England.
Remember we are always here to help,
