When is mental health assessment recommended for panic disorder?

A clinician asks what happens during an attack, how quickly symptoms build, how long they last, and what you do afterwards. They may discuss racing heartbeat, shaking, sweating, dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort, fear, and changes in behaviour. The assessment also considers medical causes, stimulant use, medicines, trauma, depression, and fears about particular places or sensations. Recurrent panic attacks can be part of panic disorder, but symptoms deserve medical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Arrange an appointment if attacks are changing where you go, how you travel, your work, or your social life. Record possible triggers, symptoms, duration, avoidance, and recovery, and bring your medicine list. Treatment may include psychological therapy, education about panic, medicine, or a combined plan. Read about [Panic Disorder](/conditions/panic-disorder/) and [Mental Health Assessment](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/mental-health-assessment/).

Call local emergency services for new or severe chest pain, fainting, serious breathing difficulty, weakness on one side, or other signs of a medical emergency; panic symptoms can overlap with physical illness. Seek urgent mental health help for suicidal thoughts, inability to stay safe, or loss of contact with reality. Do not assume a new symptom is panic without medical advice.

Ask whether your symptoms need a physical check, how panic disorder differs from other anxiety conditions, and which therapy may suit you. Ask how to respond during an attack, whether medicine is appropriate, and what warning signs should trigger urgent help.