Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Call your doctor if you experience:

• Attacks of intense fear or anxiety that seem to come on without a reason.
• A panic attack or worry that you will have another one and your worrying interferes with your ability to do your daily activities.
• Occasional physical symptoms (such as shortness of breath and chest pain) and you are not sure what is causing them.

Watchful Waiting

It can be difficult to tell the difference between the symptoms of a panic attack (such as shortness of breath and chest pain) and the symptoms of a heart attack or another serious medical problem. If you have symptoms of a panic attack, you should seek immediate medical care so that other medical conditions can be ruled out.

Who To See

The following health professionals can diagnose panic attacks and may work together with other health professionals to treat panic attacks and panic disorder:

• Emergency medicine specialist
• Family medicine physician
• General practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Nurse practitioner

Treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder may also be provided by a:

• Psychiatrist.
• Psychologist.
• Licensed professional counselor.

Many community mental health centers, hospital outpatient clinics, and family service agencies have treatment programs for people with panic disorder.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.