How is panic disorder treated?

Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you understand the body sensations, thoughts, and avoidance patterns that keep panic going. It may include gradual work with feared sensations or situations, alongside breathing and grounding skills. A clinician may also discuss antidepressant medication when attacks are frequent, distressing, or affecting daily life; these medicines are prescribed and reviewed rather than started or stopped suddenly.

A Mental Health Assessment helps distinguish panic disorder from other causes of symptoms such as Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, or Numbness and Tingling. Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, health history, medicines, and preferences.

Book a GP Consultation if panic attacks keep returning, lead you to avoid places, or interfere with sleep, work, or relationships. Keep a brief record of triggers, physical sensations, thoughts, and what helped. During an attack, slow your breathing, place your feet on the floor, and remind yourself that the surge will pass; avoid using alcohol or non-prescribed medicines to cope.

Get urgent medical help for new or severe Chest Pain, Chest Tightness, marked Shortness of Breath, fainting, or symptoms that feel different from previous panic attacks. Seek immediate help if you may harm yourself or cannot stay safe. Panic can cause intense physical sensations, but a clinician should assess unfamiliar or concerning symptoms rather than assuming they are panic.

Ask which therapy is available, whether medication could help, how long treatment may take, what side effects to watch for, and how to handle an attack while other causes of chest or breathing symptoms are being checked.