ADHD and panic attacks

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort with physical sensations such as a racing heart, chest tightness, breathlessness, shaking, dizziness or tingling. ADHD does not make every episode a panic attack.

Restlessness, rapid thoughts and difficulty regulating emotion can occur with ADHD and may feel similar to anxiety. During panic, the body's alarm response becomes intense, often peaking quickly even when no immediate danger is present. Fear of another episode can then lead to avoiding places or activities. Repeated unexpected attacks with continuing worry may be assessed as panic disorder.

Caffeine, nicotine, poor sleep and some medicines can worsen palpitations or agitation in certain people. Symptoms can also come from asthma, thyroid problems, abnormal heart rhythms or other physical conditions. The clinician should review when episodes began, their triggers, medicine and supplement use, and what happens before, during and after them.

If familiar symptoms begin and no emergency warning sign is present, move to a quieter place, loosen restrictive clothing and slow the breathing without taking repeated deep breaths. Try a gentle exhale that lasts longer than the inhale, then name things you can see, hear and feel to reconnect with the surroundings.

Afterwards, note the setting, sensations, thoughts, sleep, caffeine and medication timing. Arrange an assessment if attacks recur, cause avoidance or interfere with work, study, sleep or relationships. Treatment may include education about panic, psychological therapy and, when appropriate, medication. Keep taking ADHD medicine as prescribed until the prescriber has reviewed it.

Call UAE emergency services for new or severe chest pain or pressure, fainting, marked difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, sudden one-sided weakness, difficulty speaking, or palpitations with collapse. These signs need urgent assessment even if panic seems possible, especially when the episode feels different from previous attacks.

Seek immediate mental health support if there are thoughts of self-harm, suicide or harming someone else, or if the person cannot stay safe. For less urgent episodes, a GP can first check physical causes and coordinate mental health care.

Ask what physical causes need checking, whether the episode pattern fits panic, and whether caffeine, sleep or medicine timing may contribute. Discuss therapy options, a written plan for future attacks, and how ADHD strategies can make treatment easier to follow. Bring a current list of prescribed medicines, non-prescription products and supplements.