Panic attacks and panic disorder

A panic attack is a wave of intense fear that starts suddenly and peaks within a few minutes. Many people think they are having a heart attack the first time and go to the emergency department. When no medical cause is found, the worry of “What if it happens again?” begins.

How can you recognise it?

• A racing heart, tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
• Sweating, trembling, dizziness
• Numbness, tingling, hot flushes or chills
• Fear of losing control, fainting or dying
• A sense of unreality

If the attacks keep coming back, a fear of the next attack develops and the person starts avoiding certain places or situations because of it, we may be talking about panic disorder.

What happens in therapy?

First we make sense of the panic cycle together: a bodily sensation, a thought that interprets it as dangerous, rising fear and symptoms that grow even stronger. With cognitive behavioural therapy we test these interpretations and gradually reconnect with the situations you've been avoiding. Beneath panic attacks there are often beliefs such as “I'm helpless” or “I can't cope”; these beliefs can also be worked on through EMDR and schema therapy.

Important note

If you are experiencing physical symptoms for the first time, it's important to be assessed by a doctor first. Once a medical cause has been ruled out, the psychotherapy process can be planned with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Are panic attacks dangerous?

However frightening they are, panic attacks do not harm the body in themselves, and they pass. Still, if you are experiencing the symptoms for the first time, a medical check-up is necessary.

Do I need medication for panic attacks?

Decisions about medication are made by a psychiatrist. For many people psychotherapy alone can be enough; in some cases medication and therapy may be recommended together.

This page was written by Zeynep Hilal Çelik and last reviewed on 27 October 2026.