# Panic Attacks: Signs and What to Do

> Understand panic attack symptoms, immediate calming steps, medical warning signs, and when repeated panic needs professional assessment.

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Intense fear can feel physically dangerous

A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear or discomfort with strong physical symptoms. It is frightening, but support and effective treatment are available.

Chest pain, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, a first unusual episode, or symptoms after illness or substance use need medical assessment—do not assume they are panic.

## Common features

- Racing or pounding heartbeat, sweating, shaking, chills or hot flushes
- Shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, choking sensation, nausea or dizziness
- Feeling unreal, detached, out of control, or afraid of dying
- Symptoms that rise quickly and then gradually ease

Only a qualified professional can assess whether symptoms are due to panic, another mental health condition, a medicine, substance use, or a physical illness.

## During an episode

- Move to a quieter, safer place when possible and loosen restrictive clothing
- Breathe gently and slowly; focus on a longer, comfortable exhale rather than forcing deep breaths
- Name a few things you can see, hear and feel to reconnect with the present moment
- Remind the person that the wave will pass; stay calm and avoid criticism or crowding
- Seek urgent medical help for severe or unfamiliar physical symptoms

## When repeated attacks need help

Repeated unexpected attacks, a month or more of fear about another attack, or avoiding travel, crowds, work or school may indicate panic disorder. A clinician may check for physical causes and discuss psychological treatment, medication, or both.

- Track when episodes happen, how long they last, sleep, caffeine, alcohol or drug use, and what you were doing
- Keep regular sleep and meals and reduce excessive caffeine or stimulant use
- Do not start, stop or borrow medication without a prescriber

## Emergency warning signs

Call 112 or go to emergency care for loss of consciousness, severe chest pain or breathing difficulty, seizure, overdose, serious self-harm risk, or any rapidly worsening medical concern.

## Related guides

[Anxiety symptoms](https://www.drhnroy.org/anxiety-symptoms/)[Prepare for a consultation](https://www.drhnroy.org/prepare-for-psychiatric-consultation/)[Emergency help](https://www.drhnroy.org/emergency-mental-health-help/)

Sources and review

## How this guide was prepared

Prepared by the Dr H N Roy Mental Health Awareness Initiative editorial team from the public-health sources below. Last editorial review: 14 September 2026.

Medical-review status: General educational content; no individual clinical reviewer is named. Do not use this page as diagnosis or personalised medical advice.

- [National Institute of Mental Health: Panic disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms)
- [World Health Organization: Anxiety disorders](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders)
- [Government of India: Emergency Response Support System 112](https://112.gov.in/)

[Read our editorial and correction policy](https://www.drhnroy.org/editorial-policy/)

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This content is general education, not a diagnosis, prescription, emergency service or confirmed appointment. For immediate danger, call India’s emergency number 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.