Panic attack should i see a doctor

Treatment may also include medications and self-help or support groups. Page last reviewed: September 28, Page last updated: September 28, Find a Physician Search Our Directory. Schedule a Test. All rights reserved. Skip to Content Jefferson Health - Abington. View Additional Section Content. The most common forms include: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent worry or fear. People with this disorder worry about a number of concerns, such as health problems or finances, and may have a general sense that something bad is going to happen.

But someone with panic disorder has feelings of anxiety, stress and panic regularly and at any time, often for no apparent reason. Anxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe, and can include feelings of worry and fear. Panic is the most severe form of anxiety.

You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll trigger another attack. This can create a cycle of living "in fear of fear". It can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks. During a panic attack you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can come on very quickly and for no apparent reason. Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour. The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your condition is.

Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week. Although panic attacks are frightening, they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm, and it's unlikely you'll be admitted to hospital if you have one. Be aware that most of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions or problems, so you may not always be experiencing a panic attack. For example, you may have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.

They'll ask you to describe your symptoms, how often you get them, and how long you have had them. They may also carry out a physical examination to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions and personal life, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed.

You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have regular and unexpected panic attacks followed by at least a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks. Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.

Talking therapies and medicine are the main treatments for panic disorder. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of a panic attack may include: A feeling of intense fear, terror, or anxiety. Trouble breathing or very fast breathing. Chest pain or tightness. A heartbeat that races or isn't regular. Nausea or an upset stomach. Dizziness and shaking. Numbness or tingling. Symptoms of panic disorder may include: Repeated panic attacks when there is no reason for the fight-or-flight response.

Changing your daily activities because you worry that you will have another attack. How are panic attacks and panic disorder diagnosed? How are they treated? Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition. Cause The exact cause of panic disorder isn't clear. Panic attacks may be triggered by: Drinking large amounts of alcohol or abruptly stopping the use of alcohol.

Drinking large amounts of caffeine. It greatly increases the amount of nicotine in the blood. Taking certain medicines such as those used to treat asthma and heart conditions or abruptly stopping certain medicines such as those used to treat anxiety or sleep problems. Using drugs. Having high levels of stress for a long time. Having recently had a baby. Having recently had surgery or been under general anesthesia. Panic attacks also can be caused by or linked with other medical conditions, including: Thyroid problems, such as an overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism.

Heart problems. Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. Respiratory problems, such as COPD. Stopping the use of a prescription medicine, such as a heart medicine.

Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms The main symptom of a panic attack is an overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety. Symptoms of a panic attack may include: Rapid breathing hyperventilation , shortness of breath, or a feeling of choking or being smothered. A pounding or racing heart or an irregular heartbeat. Chest pain. Shaking, trembling, or feeling light-headed or dizzy. Sweating, chills, or hot flashes. Fear that you are going to die, lose control, or "go crazy.

Agoraphobia Panic attacks may begin without a trigger. Symptoms in children Panic attacks aren't common in children or younger teens. They may be overly afraid of common objects such as bugs. They may worry too much about monsters or about going to bed alone. They may refuse to go to school or become unusually upset when they are separated from a parent.

What Happens A first panic attack often starts without warning during an ordinary activity such as shopping or walking down the street. You may become confused and think you are "going crazy. You may feel a strong need to leave the area and go to a place that feels safe, such as your car or home. You may also have physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, a pounding heart, or chest pain. It is common to think that you are having a heart attack and to seek treatment in a hospital emergency room.

Panic disorder Common traits in panic disorder include: Feeling exhausted from lack of sleep. Using drugs or alcohol to numb your fears or give you a false sense of courage to face feared situations. Having depression. Having irrational fears phobias. Having other anxiety disorders , such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Having trouble relating to other people in social settings because of intense feelings of anxiety. What Increases Your Risk Your risk for panic attacks and panic disorder may be higher if you: Have a family history of panic disorder.

You are also at increased risk if you have a parent with either depression or bipolar disorder. Have other conditions linked with panic disorder or panic attacks, such as depression. Drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, chain-smoke cigarettes, or drink large amounts of coffee or other caffeinated beverages. Take medicines known to trigger panic attacks, such as those used to treat asthma or heart problems.

Have had previous, unexpected panic attacks. When should you call your doctor? Call your doctor if you have: 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 hard 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. Who to see The following health professionals can diagnose panic attacks. They may work together with other health professionals to treat panic attacks and panic disorder: Family doctor General practitioner Nurse practitioner Treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder may also be provided by a: Psychiatrist.

Mental health counsellor. Examinations and Tests You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have at least two unexpected panic attacks along with fear or worry about having another panic attack and avoiding situations that may trigger it.

Treatment Overview Successful treatment reduces how many panic attacks you have and how often you have them. Treatment may include: Professional counselling , such as cognitive-behavioural therapy. To learn more, see Other Treatment.

Medicines, such as an antidepressant or a benzodiazepine. Home treatment, such as relaxation exercises.

Prevention Panic disorder cannot be prevented. Home Treatment Here are steps you can take to decrease the number of panic attacks you have. These steps can also reduce the severity of your symptoms when an attack does occur: Reduce anxiety.

Do tension-reducing activities, and lower the amount of stress in your life. Do relaxation exercises. These involve 10 to 20 minutes of deep breathing and muscle relaxation each day. Changing how you think can change how you feel—and that can reduce your anxiety. Noticing negative thoughts and replacing them with helpful ones is one way to do this. Get your breathing and heart rate up several times a week.

Limit alcohol and caffeine or avoid them completely. Join a self-help and support group. Eat a balanced diet. This means eating fresh, healthy foods and limiting your intake of foods that are high in sugar and fat. Support for the family When a person has panic attacks, his or her entire family is affected. Medications Medicines for panic disorder are used to control the symptoms of panic attacks, reduce their number and severity, and reduce the anxiety and fear linked with having another attack.

Medicine choices Medicines used most often to treat panic attacks include: Antidepressants , such as Paxil, Prozac, or Zoloft. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, Valium, or Xanax.

Medicines sometimes used to treat panic disorder include: Antidepressants , such as Anafranil. Antidepressants with mixed neurotransmitter effects, such as Effexor. Other Treatment Counselling Medicines to treat panic disorder often may prevent another panic attack. Support groups and self-help Support groups are often good places to share information, problem-solving tips, and emotions related to panic disorder.

Relaxation exercises Body-centred relaxation exercises can be useful for reducing anxiety and treating symptoms of stress. They include: Breathing exercises , such as roll breathing a type of deep breathing.