Panic attacks and panic disorder at a Glance
Most common causes
- Racing or pounding heart
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating or trembling
- A sense of fear or losing control
When to seek medical attention
- Repeated panic attacks
- Fear of the next attack
- Avoiding places or situations
- Panic affecting daily life
- Panic with ongoing anxiety or low mood
Specialist: Dr Plabon Saikia · Psychiatry
What is Panic attacks and panic disorder?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes, accompanied by strong physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, breathlessness, dizziness, sweating and a feeling of losing control or that something terrible is happening. Because the physical symptoms are so strong, panic attacks can feel frightening and are sometimes mistaken for a heart problem. While any new chest symptoms should be checked medically, panic attacks themselves are not dangerous — and with the right understanding and support, they can be managed and overcome.
Common Causes
Physical Symptoms
- • Racing heart
- • Breathlessness
- • Chest tightness
- • Dizziness
- • Trembling
Emotional Symptoms
- • Intense fear
- • Feeling of losing control
- • Sense of dread
Triggers
- • Stress
- • Certain situations
- • Sometimes no clear trigger at all
The Cycle
- • Fear of another attack can lead to avoiding places, which can make things worse over time
Signs It's Time to Reach Out
- ▸ Have had repeated panic attacks
- ▸ Worry a lot about when the next one will happen
- ▸ Have started avoiding places or situations because of them
- ▸ Find panic is affecting your work, study or relationships
- ▸ Experience panic alongside ongoing anxiety or low mood
- ▸ Feel your quality of life is being limited
Any new or unexplained chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting should always be checked medically to rule out a physical cause — even if you think it may be panic.
How Doctors Evaluate Panic attacks and panic disorder
A consultation is a calm, confidential conversation. It may include: understanding your panic attacks, triggers and how they affect you, checking that physical causes have been considered, and agreeing a plan together. Support often includes understanding the panic cycle, practical techniques to manage attacks, talking-based therapy, and medication only when appropriate and discussed with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Panic attacks and panic disorder Care in Guwahati
Patients from Beltola, GS Road, Dispur, Ganeshguri, Six Mile, Christian Basti, Zoo Road and Hengrabari can consult our Psychiatry specialist at Healthwrx. A calm, private and supportive space, close to home.
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Common Questions
Are panic attacks an emergency?
Panic attacks are not dangerous, but new chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting should always be checked medically to rule out a physical cause.
Which doctor treats panic attacks?
A psychiatrist provides assessment and treatment for panic attacks and related anxiety.
Can panic attacks be overcome?
Yes. With the right understanding and support, most people learn to manage and overcome panic attacks.