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Anxiety Disorders

Panic Disorder

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Key takeaways

  • Panic disorder means sudden, repeated panic attacks plus fear of the next one.
  • Panic attacks feel frightening but are not physically dangerous.
  • Psychiatric evaluation and medication management help most people have fewer attacks.
  • Seek help if attacks recur or fear of them starts to limit daily life.

What panic disorder feels like

Panic disorder involves sudden, repeated panic attacks — intense surges of fear that come on quickly, often with a racing heart, chest tightness, or dizziness. Many people then worry about when the next attack will strike. These attacks feel frightening but are not physically harmful.

How psychiatric care helps

A psychiatric evaluation clarifies what is happening and rules out other causes, and medication management can reduce how often attacks occur. We can also coordinate therapy referrals, which often help people feel steady and in control again.

Sources: NIMH — Panic Disorder, Mayo Clinic.

Signs & symptoms

  • Sudden, intense waves of fear
  • Racing heart or chest tightness
  • Dizziness, shaking, or sweating
  • Fear of having another attack

Causes & risk factors

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), panic disorder often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and is more commonly diagnosed in women.

Causes

  • A combination of genetic and environmental factors
  • Differences in the brain's fear response
  • Major stress or life transitions

Risk factors

  • Family history of panic or anxiety
  • Major life stress or trauma
  • Sensitivity to the physical sensations of fear

Possible complications

  • Avoiding places or situations linked to attacks
  • Ongoing anxiety about the next attack
  • Depression or substance use

How it's diagnosed

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
  • Medical work-up to rule out heart or thyroid causes
  • Validated screening tools

Treatment options

ServiceWhat it's for
Medication ManagementCareful prescribing, monitoring, and adjustment of psychiatric medications to maximize benefit and minimize side effects.
Psychiatric EvaluationA thorough first assessment to understand your history and symptoms and build an accurate diagnosis and plan.

Prevention

  • Early treatment of symptoms
  • Learning to recognize and ride out attacks
  • Ongoing follow-up

When to seek help

If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text988 now — free, 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

Are panic attacks dangerous?

Panic attacks feel frightening but are not physically dangerous. Care can reduce how often they happen and ease the fear between them.

How is panic disorder treated?

A psychiatric evaluation and medication management can reduce attacks. We can also coordinate therapy referrals when added support would help.

Related conditions

Sources

Medically reviewed by Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Last reviewed June 30, 2026.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional care. In crisis? Call or text 988.

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