Medical Evaluation

It's important to see a doctor if you are having panic attacks or think you might have panic disorder. Panic disorder is a real illness that can be treated with medicine and therapy. On the list below, check any of the symptoms you have. Take this checklist to your doctor; it might help you explain how you feel.

Panic Disorder Checklist

• I have sudden bursts of fear for no reason.
• I feel awful when they happen.

Check any other symptoms you have during these sudden bursts of fear.

• I have chest pains or a racing heart.
• I have a hard time breathing.
• I have a choking feeling.
• I feel dizzy.
• I sweat a lot.
• I have stomach problems or feel like I need to throw up.
• I shake, tremble, or tingle.
• I feel out of control.
• I feel unreal.
• I am afraid I am dying or going crazy.

Your doctor may want to examine you and do some tests to make sure you don't have some other illness. If you put a check in the box next to some of these problems, you may have panic disorder.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.