Panic attacks can be very frightening.

Although panic attacks themselves aren’t life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life.

But treatment can be very effective.

Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning.

You may have occasional panic attacks or they may occur frequently.

Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within minutes.

You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides.

You may fear having a panic attack so much that you avoid situations where they may occur.

If you have panic attack symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Panic attacks, while intensely uncomfortable, are not dangerous.

But panic attacks are hard to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment.

Some research suggests that your body’s natural fight-or-flight response to danger is involved in panic attacks.

For example, if a grizzly bear came after you, your body would react instinctively.

Your heart rate and breathing would speed up as your body prepared itself for a life-threatening situation.

Many of the same reactions occur in a panic attack.

But it’s not known why a panic attack pops up if there’s no obvious danger present.

Symptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect more women than men.

Or you may become reliant on others to be with you to leave your home.

After an initial evaluation, your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for treatment.

Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions.

To help pinpoint a diagnosis, you may have:

You may fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire.

You also may be asked about alcohol or other substance use.

Not everyone who has panic attacks has a panic disorder.

If panic attacks aren’t treated, they can get worse and develop into panic disorder or phobias.

Treatment can help reduce the intensity and frequency of your panic attacks and improve your function in daily life.

The main treatment options are psychotherapy and medications.

Psychotherapy can help you understand panic attacks and panic disorder and learn how to cope with them.

Once the physical sensations of panic no longer feel threatening, the attacks begin to resolve.

Successful treatment can also help you overcome fears of situations that you’ve been avoiding because of panic attacks.

Seeing results from treatment can take time and effort.

Talk with your doctor about possible side effects and risks.

However, more research is needed.

Talk with your doctor before trying any supplements.

These products can cause side effects and may interact with other medications.

Your doctor can help determine if they’re safe for you.

However, these recommendations may help.

Updated: 2015-05-19

Publication Date: 1999-08-01