Diagnosis

If you develop panic disorder, you may consult a primary care doctor first because the physical symptoms often feel like signs of a medical illness, such as a heart attack, a stroke or a breathing problem. Many medical illnesses can cause symptoms that mimic panic attacks, including heart disease, asthma, cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, hormone abnormalities, infections and disturbances in levels of certain blood chemicals. Symptoms of a panic attack can also be triggered by the use of amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogens, alcohol and other drugs, as well as by certain prescription medications. The doctor may do tests to rule out medical problems, but the results of these tests will almost always be normal. If this is the case, the doctor may ask you questions about your family history, psychiatric history, current anxieties, recent stresses, and daily use of prescription and nonprescription drugs, including caffeine and alcohol. If your doctor suspects that the problem is panic disorder, he or she will refer you to a psychiatrist for care.

Your psychiatrist will do a full psychiatric evaluation that includes:

• Asking questions about the thoughts, feelings and physical symptoms that you experience during a panic attack

• Asking about your thoughts, feelings and behaviors between attacks

• Checking for symptoms of other forms of psychiatric illness

Your psychiatrist may request blood tests or refer you to another medical specialist if he or she is concerned that a medical illness is causing your symptoms.

Expected Duration

Panic disorder usually is a long-lasting condition, but it is very treatable. With proper care, many patients find long-term relief from their symptoms.