Panic attacks and panic disorder
पैनिक अटैक (घबराहट के दौरे)
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes. In panic disorder, attacks keep coming and the person lives in fear of the next one.
Many patients visit emergency rooms thinking it is a heart attack. Once the heart is checked, panic can be treated effectively.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Pounding or racing heart
- Breathlessness, choking feeling
- Sweating, trembling, chills or hot flushes
- Chest discomfort, dizziness, tingling
- Fear of dying, losing control or going mad
- Avoiding travel, crowds or being alone after attacks
Causes
- Over-sensitive alarm system in the brain
- Stress, sleep loss, caffeine, nicotine or alcohol withdrawal
- Misreading normal body sensations as danger
Risk factors
- Stressful life events in the months before the first attack
- Family history of panic or anxiety
- Smoking, heavy caffeine use, or stopping alcohol or sedatives suddenly
How it is diagnosed
- Repeated sudden attacks of intense fear with palpitations, breathlessness, sweating or fear of dying
- Worry about the next attack, and avoiding places where attacks happened
- A one-time heart check (ECG) and thyroid test when advised, to be sure the body is healthy
Classification: ICD-10 F41.0 · ICD-11 6B01
Treatment options
- 1Understanding the panic cycle — attacks are not dangerous
- 2CBT with breathing retraining and gradual exposure
- 3Antidepressant medicines to prevent attacks
- 4Short-term, carefully limited use of calming medicines only if needed
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Panic-focused CBT: understanding that the symptoms are harmless and not a heart attack
- Interoceptive exposure: safely bringing on mild symptoms so that fear of them reduces
- Gradually returning to avoided places like markets, buses or crowds
Guidance for family
- During an attack, stay calm, speak slowly and help with slow breathing
- Avoid repeated emergency visits once the heart has been checked — this keeps the fear going
- Encourage, but do not force, going back to avoided places
When to see a psychiatrist
- Attacks happen more than once
- You avoid places because of fear of an attack
- First-ever chest pain — get a medical check first
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Can a panic attack kill me?
No. It is extremely uncomfortable but not dangerous, and it passes on its own.
What should I do during an attack?
Breathe slowly (in for 4, out for 6), remind yourself it will pass, and stay where you are instead of running away.
Will I need medicine forever?
No. Most people take medicines for some months with therapy, then taper.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.