How to Manage Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, or feeling detached from reality.

During an attack, slow breathing can help: inhale for four counts, hold briefly, exhale for six. Grounding techniques — naming five things you see, four you feel — can orient you to the present.

Panic attacks are not dangerous in themselves, but they are frightening. Repeated attacks or constant fear of the next one may indicate panic disorder.

Psychiatric evaluation can determine whether medication, therapy, or both may reduce attack frequency and severity over time.

If you have chest pain and are unsure of the cause, seek emergency care to rule out medical emergencies. Psychiatric care complements — but does not replace — emergency medicine.