What are the first signs of panic disorder?

A panic attack can rise quickly and may include a pounding heart, shaking, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, numbness or a feeling of losing control. Panic disorder refers to recurring attacks together with ongoing worry about another attack or changes made to avoid one. These symptoms can overlap with medical problems, so a new or unfamiliar episode should not be self-diagnosed as panic.

Write down when episodes happen, how long they last, the symptoms you notice and what you were doing beforehand. Book a GP consultation when attacks recur, cause avoidance or interfere with sleep, work or travel. A clinician can review physical causes, medicines and substances, and may recommend a mental health assessment. During an episode, sit somewhere safe and breathe slowly without forcing deep breaths.

Seek urgent help for severe or persistent chest pain, marked breathing difficulty, fainting, new weakness or symptoms that feel different from previous attacks. Contact a mental health professional promptly if fear, avoidance or hopelessness is becoming difficult to manage, or if you may harm yourself.

Ask what checks are needed to rule out physical causes, whether your pattern fits panic disorder, and which talking treatments or coping skills could help. Ask how to make a plan for the next episode.