Bipolar and panic attacks: what should you know?

A panic attack is a sudden surge of fear or discomfort that may bring palpitations, chest tightness, shaking, fast breathing, feeling anxious, or numbness and tingling. Bipolar episodes involve a broader change in mood, energy, activity, sleep, and judgement that lasts beyond a brief wave of panic.

Panic symptoms can feel frightening and may resemble a physical emergency. Panic attacks do not prove that a person has bipolar disorder, and bipolar disorder does not make every episode of fear a panic attack. A clinician considers timing, triggers, sleep, medicines, substances, and the full mood history.

Record what happens before, during, and after an episode, including sleep, physical sensations, thoughts, duration, and recovery. Continue prescribed medicines unless your clinician advises otherwise, and avoid using alcohol or recreational drugs to cope. Slow breathing and grounding may reduce distress while you arrange assessment.

A GP consultation can review physical causes and current medicines. A mental health assessment can map panic episodes against mood changes and help shape treatment.

Seek emergency help for new or severe chest symptoms, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, confusion, or symptoms that feel different from previous panic. Get urgent mental-health support for suicidal thoughts, loss of control, several nights with very little sleep and rising energy, or behaviour that places anyone in danger.

Ask how to distinguish your panic symptoms from early mood changes, whether medicines or stimulants could be contributing, and which symptoms should prompt same-day contact. Bring a list of prescriptions, supplements, and recent sleep changes.