Which specialist treats panic disorder?

A clinical psychologist commonly provides talking therapy, including structured approaches that help you understand panic sensations, reduce avoidance and practise coping skills. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can assess mental and physical health, consider medicines and manage more complex symptoms. A GP can check for other explanations and refer you to the most suitable service.

Panic attacks may involve a racing heartbeat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, trembling, or numbness and tingling. These symptoms can overlap with urgent physical illness, so a new or unusual episode should not automatically be assumed to be panic disorder. A mental health assessment considers the episodes, triggers, worries between attacks, avoidance and effect on daily life.

Book a GP consultation or mental health assessment if attacks recur, you fear another attack, or you are avoiding work, travel or ordinary activities. Write down when episodes happen, what you feel first, how long they last and any caffeine, medicine or substance use around them. Treatment may combine therapy, practical breathing skills and medicine selected after an individual review.

Call emergency services for severe or persistent chest pain, marked shortness of breath, collapse, new weakness, confusion or symptoms that feel different from previous panic episodes. Seek immediate help if you may harm yourself or cannot stay safe. Chest pain and palpitations should be assessed promptly when they are new, intense or accompanied by fainting.

Ask whether you need a physical check, a psychiatrist or psychologist referral, and which therapy is suitable. Discuss medicine benefits and unwanted effects, how to handle an episode, and which symptoms should prompt emergency care.