Panic Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Panic Disorder?
A psychiatrist, a doctor for mental health, often treats panic disorder. A psychologist, an expert in talk therapy, can help too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It causes repeated panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden wave of strong fear, discomfort, or a sense of losing control.
A single panic attack is not a mental disorder. Many people only have one or two panic attacks in their lifetime and get better without treatment. People with panic disorder often worry about having another attack.
Panic disorder is not life-threatening, but it can be upsetting and affect your quality of life. Without treatment, it can sometimes lead to depression and substance use disorders.
Symptoms
People with panic disorder may have:
- Sudden and repeated panic attacks of very strong fear.
- A fear of death or impending doom during a panic attack.
- An intense worry about when the next panic attack will happen.
- A fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past.
During a panic attack, the body can also have physical symptoms. They may include:
- A pounding or racing heart.
- Sweating.
- Trouble breathing.
- Weakness or dizziness.
- Chest pain.
These physical symptoms might feel like a heart attack. A panic attack can last from a few minutes to an hour or sometimes longer.
Some people also develop agoraphobia, a strong fear of places where it is hard to escape or get help.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of panic disorder is unknown. It sometimes runs in families, but no one knows why some relatives have it and others do not.
Researchers think these things may play a role:
- Genetics, the genes you inherit from your parents.
- Brain biology and chemistry.
- Your environment.
- Major stress.
Panic disorder is more common in women than in men. It often starts in the late teens or early adulthood. People who have had trauma, especially in childhood, are more likely to develop it.
How doctors diagnose it
A provider will ask about your health history and symptoms. The provider may do a physical exam to make sure another physical problem is not causing the symptoms. Blood tests and heart health tests can check for other possible conditions.
A person must have repeated, unexpected panic attacks to be diagnosed. They must also spend at least 1 month worrying about more attacks, fearing what they mean, or changing how they act to avoid them.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves talk therapy, medicine, or both. A common talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT teaches new ways to think about and react to the feelings that come before or during a panic attack.
Providers may also prescribe medicine. Several kinds can help:
- Antidepressants, which are medicines also used for depression, can help with panic disorder. They may take several weeks to start working.
- Side effects can include headaches, nausea, or trouble sleeping.
- Benzodiazepines are calming medicines that can quickly ease panic symptoms.
- Some people build up a tolerance. That means they need more medicine to get the same effect. Some also become dependent on it. So a provider may prescribe them only for brief periods.
A healthy lifestyle may also help. This means avoiding alcohol, cutting back on caffeine, eating regular meals, and getting enough sleep and exercise. Joining a support group may also be helpful.
When to see a doctor
If you have concerns about your mental health, talk to a primary care provider. Seek professional help if anxiety causes problems at school, at work, or with friends and family.
Panic attacks can feel like a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint or have chest pain or discomfort for two minutes or more.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your symptoms, look for other causes, and refer you to a mental health expert. Follow-up visits can track how treatment is going.
Common questions
Is a panic attack the same as panic disorder?
No. A single panic attack is not a mental disorder. Panic disorder means repeated attacks with ongoing worry.
How long does a panic attack last?
A panic attack can last from a few minutes to an hour or sometimes longer. The physical symptoms usually go away with time.
Can panic disorder be treated?
Yes. With the right treatment and support, people with panic disorder can manage their symptoms. Treatment is usually talk therapy, medicine, or both.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Panic Disorder
- National Institute of Mental Health - Panic Disorder: What You Need to Know
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
