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“I'm having panic attacks”
A short answer
Panic attacks are frightening, and they're a recognized, treatable symptom. A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear with strong physical feelings, like a pounding heart or trouble breathing, that peaks within minutes. We look at what's happening, make sure your body has been checked, and talk through options that can make attacks less frequent and less frightening.
What we'd like you to know
During a panic attack, your body's alarm system fires when there's no real danger. It can bring a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain or a sense that something terrible is about to happen. Attacks can begin suddenly, without warning.
Panic attacks are fairly common, and having one doesn't mean you have panic disorder. When attacks keep happening, and worry about the next one starts to change where you go and what you do, it may be panic disorder. It's very treatable, usually with therapy, medication or both.
Panic attacks aren't life-threatening on their own, but chest pain needs medical attention, especially the first time. If you're not sure what's happening, call 911.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
That's a very common reaction. It's worth getting checked by a medical provider first, since a panic attack can be mistaken for a heart attack and other medical problems need to be ruled out. If attacks keep happening, we can help.
What panic attacks are, and are notWorry between attacks is a key part of panic disorder, and it's something treatment works on directly.
Panic disorder at ANKAvoiding places where attacks have happened brings relief in the moment, but it can make life smaller over time. Treatment helps you get those places back, step by step.
Ongoing worry may point to another kind of anxiety, and the two often go together. The evaluation looks at the whole picture.
If anxiety is running your lifeThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
What helps your first visit
Tick what applies, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Panic attacks
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1A panic attack can come on suddenly, even when nothing seems wrong.
Fact. A panic attack begins suddenly, and it can happen even when there's no real danger.
2If you have panic attacks, you'll always have them.
Myth. Panic disorder is treatable. Therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or both help many people.
3Chest pain during an attack can safely be ignored.
Myth. Panic attacks aren't life-threatening on their own, but chest pain needs medical attention, especially the first time.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
We talk about the attacks, what you've been avoiding, your health and history, and what else might be going on alongside them.
3Your plan
If medication could help, we explain the options and timing (common medications for panic, such as SSRIs, may take several weeks to work), and you decide together with your provider. Visits also include practical, CBT-informed tools for riding out an attack.
4Regular follow-ups
We check in regularly to see what's helping and adjust carefully. Regular follow-ups are how patients stay on track.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- NIMH: Panic disorder
- MedlinePlus: Panic disorder
- Merck Manual (consumer): Panic attacks and panic disorder
- MedlinePlus: Chest pain
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from the sources above, checked October 26, 2026.
- What happens at ANK describes our own approach; it isn't drawn from these sources.
- General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Other starting points