🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 10 (from laksa196)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa010.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-disorder/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-disorder/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/panic-disorder\/","crawl_time":1775493469,"first_indexed_time":1664923921,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"ie,hse!www2,\/conditions\/panic-disorder\/ s443","src_root_hash":"5514331230062789010","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Panic disorder","meta_descriptions":["Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear. Find out more about panic disorder, including symptoms, causes and treatment."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Panic disorder is where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.\nEveryone has feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.\nFor someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic can happen regularly and at any time. They often happen for no obvious reason.\nSymptoms\nSigns of a panic disorder include anxiety and panic attacks.\nAnxiety\nAnxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe and can include feelings of worry and fear.\nYou may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll cause another attack.\nThis can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.\nGeneralised anxiety disorder in adults\nAnxiety in children\nPanic attacks\nA panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. It can come on very quickly for no clear reason, and can be very distressing.\nSymptoms include:\nshaking, tingling, numbness (especially in hands, legs, or face)\nfeeling disorientated, dizzy, lightheaded, faint\nfeeling disconnected from your body\nfeeling sick (nausea)\nrapid and irregular heartbeats (palpitations)\ndry mouth\nshortness of breath\nsweating, hot flushes\na need to go to the bathroom urgently\na ringing in your ears\na feeling of dread or a fear of dying\nIn most cases, panic attacks last between 5 and 30 minutes before going away.\nThe number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your panic disorder is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month. Others have them a few times a week.\nPanic attacks can be frightening, but they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm. It's unlikely that you'll need to go to hospital if you have one.\nThe symptoms of panic attacks can also be symptoms of other health conditions. You may not always be having a panic attack. For example, you can have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.\nPanic attacks\nCauses of panic disorder\nThe exact cause of panic disorder is not known.\nMost experts think it is a combination of biological and psychological factors.\nBiological factors\nThis is when your body reacts in a certain way to specific situations.\nFight, flight or freeze response\nPanic disorder is linked to your body's natural fight, flight or freeze response. This is your body's way of protecting you from stressful or dangerous situations - both real and imagined.\nAnxiety and fear cause your body to release hormones like adrenaline. This can cause your breathing and heart rate to increase.\nWhen you feel threatened, your body responds by preparing you to fight, run away or freeze. This automatic reaction is your body's way of protecting you from the threat.\nWith panic disorder, your fight, flight or freeze response may be triggered when it is not needed. This results in a panic attack, even if there is no obvious or imminent threat.\nThe fear network\nThis theory suggests that the brains of people with panic disorders may create stronger emotions, including fear. This can trigger a panic attack.\nSpatial awareness\nThere is a link between panic disorder and spatial awareness. Spatial awareness is the ability to judge where you are in relation to other objects and people.\nSome people with panic disorder have a weak sense of balance and awareness of space. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and disorientated in crowded places. This can lead to a panic attack.\nPsychological factors\nPsychological factors that increase your risk of developing panic disorder include:\na traumatic childhood experience\na stressful event\npast mental health difficulties\nalcohol or drug use\nbeing in an unhappy relationship\nWhen to see your GP\nTalk to your GP if your symptoms have made everyday activities difficult for you.\nThey'll ask you:\nwhat symptoms you have\nhow often the symptoms happen\nhow long you have had the symptoms\nThey may also do a physical examination to rule out other conditions.\nIt can be difficult to talk to someone else about your feelings, emotions and personal life. But try not to feel too embarrassed.\nYou may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have experienced at least:\ntwo unexpected panic attacks\na month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks\nTreatments for panic disorder\nTreatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.\nTalk therapy and medicines are the 2 main treatments for panic disorder.\nYou may need 1 of these or both, depending on:\nyour symptoms\nthe severity\nhow distressed you've been\nhow long you've been having them\nthe impact on your day-to-to day life\nTalk therapy\nYour GP may recommend\ntalk therapy (counselling and psychotherapy)\n.\nThey may be able to refer you for talk therapy or tell you ways to find a therapist.\nTalk to your GP regularly while you're having therapy. They can assess your progress and see how you're doing.\nThe type of talk therapy you may have is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).\nCBT and panic attacks\nCBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you manage difficulties by thinking in a more balanced way. It can help you to recognise unhelpful patterns of behaviour and recommend ways of coping.\nYou can talk to your therapist about how you react to a panic attack and what you think about when it happens.\nYour therapist can teach you ways of changing your behaviour. For example, breathing techniques to help you keep calm during an attack.\nCBT\nMedicine\nIf you and your GP think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed an\nantidepressant\n.\nYou may also be prescribed an anti-epilepsy drug such as\npregabalin\n.\nIf your anxiety is severe, a benzodiazepine such as clonazepam may be prescribed. This is for short-term or occasional use.\nReferral to a specialist\nYour GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.\nThis can happen if your symptoms do not improve with CBT, group support or medicine.\nThe specialist will assess you and create a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.\nThings you can try yourself\nIt's important to not to let your fear of panic attacks control you.\nRead our tips on how to handle panic attacks.\nSupport groups\nPanic disorder can have a big impact on your life. But support is available. It might help to speak to others who have it.\nAsk your GP about support groups for panic disorder near you.\nOrganisations that provide mental health support\nComplications of panic disorder\nPanic disorder is treatable and you can make a full recovery. It's best to get help from your GP as soon as you can.\nIf you do not get help from your GP, panic disorder can become very difficult to cope with.\nIf untreated, panic disorder can increase your risk of:\ndepression\nagoraphobia\nother types of phobia\nharmful alcohol or drug use\nPanic disorder in children\nPanic disorder is more common in young people than in children.\nPanic attacks can be hard for children and young people to deal with. If they do not get early treatment, severe panic disorder can have a big impact on their life.\nIf your child has signs and symptoms of panic disorder, bring them to their GP.\nTheir GP will go through their medical history and do a physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms.\nThey may refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. The specialist may recommend CBT for your child.\nThey may also check for other anxiety disorders to find the cause of your child's panic attacks.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/panic-disorder\/#maincontent)\n\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/jobs\/job-search\/)\n- [HSE Staff](https:\/\/healthservice.hse.ie\/staff\/)\n- [About the HSE](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/)\n\nMenu Close\n\nToggle search Search Close\n\nRecommended links\n\n- [Medical cards](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/medical-cards\/)\n- [European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/ehic\/)\n- [Find urgent and emergency care](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/urgent-emergency-care\/)\n- [Find a civil registration service](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/births-deaths-and-marriages\/find-a-civil-registration-service\/)\n- [GP visit cards](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/gp-visit-cards\/gp-visit-cards\/)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/)\n- [Living well](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/)\n- [Pregnancy and birth](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/pregnancy-birth\/)\n- [Babies and children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/babies-children\/)\n\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/jobs\/job-search\/)\n- [HSE Staff](https:\/\/healthservice.hse.ie\/staff\/)\n- [About the HSE](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/)\n- [Living Well](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/)\n2. [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n\n[Back to Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n\n### Warning notification:Warning\nUnfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers:\n\n1. [Chrome](https:\/\/www.google.com\/intl\/en_ie\/chrome\/ \"Chrome\")\n2. [Edge](https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 \"Edge\")\n3. [FireFox](https:\/\/www.mozilla.org\/en-US\/firefox\/new\/ \"FireFox\")\n4. [Opera](https:\/\/www.opera.com\/ \"Opera\")\n5. [Safari](https:\/\/www.apple.com\/safari\/ \"Safari\")\n\n# Panic disorder\nPanic disorder is where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.\n\nEveryone has feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.\n\nFor someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic can happen regularly and at any time. They often happen for no obvious reason.\n\n## Symptoms\nSigns of a panic disorder include anxiety and panic attacks.\n\n### Anxiety\nAnxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe and can include feelings of worry and fear.\n\nYou may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll cause another attack.\n\nThis can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.\n\n[Generalised anxiety disorder in adults](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/generalised-anxiety-disorder\/)\n\n[Anxiety in children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/anxiety-disorders-children\/)\n\n### Panic attacks\nA panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. It can come on very quickly for no clear reason, and can be very distressing.\n\nSymptoms include:\n\n- shaking, tingling, numbness (especially in hands, legs, or face)\n- feeling disorientated, dizzy, lightheaded, faint\n- feeling disconnected from your body\n- feeling sick (nausea)\n- rapid and irregular heartbeats (palpitations)\n- dry mouth\n- shortness of breath\n- sweating, hot flushes\n- a need to go to the bathroom urgently\n- a ringing in your ears\n- a feeling of dread or a fear of dying\n\nIn most cases, panic attacks last between 5 and 30 minutes before going away.\n\nThe number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your panic disorder is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month. Others have them a few times a week.\n\nPanic attacks can be frightening, but they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm. It's unlikely that you'll need to go to hospital if you have one.\n\nThe symptoms of panic attacks can also be symptoms of other health conditions. You may not always be having a panic attack. For example, you can have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.\n\n[Panic attacks](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/panic-attacks\/)\n\n## Causes of panic disorder\nThe exact cause of panic disorder is not known.\n\nMost experts think it is a combination of biological and psychological factors.\n\n### Biological factors\nThis is when your body reacts in a certain way to specific situations.\n\n#### Fight, flight or freeze response\nPanic disorder is linked to your body's natural fight, flight or freeze response. This is your body's way of protecting you from stressful or dangerous situations - both real and imagined.\n\nAnxiety and fear cause your body to release hormones like adrenaline. This can cause your breathing and heart rate to increase.\n\nWhen you feel threatened, your body responds by preparing you to fight, run away or freeze. This automatic reaction is your body's way of protecting you from the threat.\n\nWith panic disorder, your fight, flight or freeze response may be triggered when it is not needed. This results in a panic attack, even if there is no obvious or imminent threat.\n\n#### The fear network\nThis theory suggests that the brains of people with panic disorders may create stronger emotions, including fear. This can trigger a panic attack.\n\n#### Spatial awareness\nThere is a link between panic disorder and spatial awareness. Spatial awareness is the ability to judge where you are in relation to other objects and people.\n\nSome people with panic disorder have a weak sense of balance and awareness of space. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and disorientated in crowded places. This can lead to a panic attack.\n\n### Psychological factors\nPsychological factors that increase your risk of developing panic disorder include:\n\n- a traumatic childhood experience\n- a stressful event\n- past mental health difficulties\n- alcohol or drug use\n- being in an unhappy relationship\n## When to see your GP\nTalk to your GP if your symptoms have made everyday activities difficult for you.\n\nThey'll ask you:\n\n- what symptoms you have\n- how often the symptoms happen\n- how long you have had the symptoms\n\nThey may also do a physical examination to rule out other conditions.\n\nIt can be difficult to talk to someone else about your feelings, emotions and personal life. But try not to feel too embarrassed.\n\nYou may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have experienced at least:\n\n- two unexpected panic attacks\n- a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks\n## Treatments for panic disorder\nTreatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.\n\nTalk therapy and medicines are the 2 main treatments for panic disorder.\n\nYou may need 1 of these or both, depending on:\n\n- your symptoms\n- the severity\n- how distressed you've been\n- how long you've been having them\n- the impact on your day-to-to day life\n### Talk therapy\nYour GP may recommend [talk therapy (counselling and psychotherapy)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/services-support\/talk-therapy\/).\n\nThey may be able to refer you for talk therapy or tell you ways to find a therapist.\n\nTalk to your GP regularly while you're having therapy. They can assess your progress and see how you're doing.\n\nThe type of talk therapy you may have is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).\n\n### CBT and panic attacks\nCBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you manage difficulties by thinking in a more balanced way. It can help you to recognise unhelpful patterns of behaviour and recommend ways of coping.\n\nYou can talk to your therapist about how you react to a panic attack and what you think about when it happens.\n\nYour therapist can teach you ways of changing your behaviour. For example, breathing techniques to help you keep calm during an attack.\n\n[CBT](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/services-support\/talking-therapies\/#cognitive-behavioural-therapy)\n\n### Medicine\nIf you and your GP think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed an [antidepressant](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/about-antidepressants\/).\n\nYou may also be prescribed an anti-epilepsy drug such as [pregabalin](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/pregabalin\/).\n\nIf your anxiety is severe, a benzodiazepine such as clonazepam may be prescribed. This is for short-term or occasional use.\n\n### Referral to a specialist\nYour GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.\n\nThis can happen if your symptoms do not improve with CBT, group support or medicine.\n\nThe specialist will assess you and create a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.\n\n### Things you can try yourself\nIt's important to not to let your fear of panic attacks control you. [Read our tips on how to handle panic attacks.](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/panic-attacks\/#how-to-handle-a-panic-attack)\n\n### Support groups\nPanic disorder can have a big impact on your life. But support is available. It might help to speak to others who have it.\n\nAsk your GP about support groups for panic disorder near you.\n\n[Organisations that provide mental health support](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/services-support\/supports-services\/)\n\n## Complications of panic disorder\nPanic disorder is treatable and you can make a full recovery. It's best to get help from your GP as soon as you can.\n\nIf you do not get help from your GP, panic disorder can become very difficult to cope with.\n\nIf untreated, panic disorder can increase your risk of:\n\n- [depression](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/clinical-depression\/)\n- [agoraphobia](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/agoraphobia\/)\n- [other types of phobia](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/phobias\/)\n- [harmful alcohol or drug use](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well\/alcohol\/)\n## Panic disorder in children\nPanic disorder is more common in young people than in children.\n\nPanic attacks can be hard for children and young people to deal with. If they do not get early treatment, severe panic disorder can have a big impact on their life.\n\nIf your child has signs and symptoms of panic disorder, bring them to their GP.\n\nTheir GP will go through their medical history and do a physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms.\n\nThey may refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. The specialist may recommend CBT for your child.\n\nThey may also check for other anxiety disorders to find the cause of your child's panic attacks.\n\n***\nContent supplied by the [NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE\n\nPage last reviewed: 14 July 2025   \n Next review due: 14 July 2028\n\n## HSE Live - we're here to help\nMonday to Friday: 8am to 8pm   \nSaturday: 9am to 5pm   \nSunday: Closed   \nBank holidays: Closed\n\n**Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700)**\n\n**From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)**\n\n- [HSE Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HSElive\/)\n- [HSE Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/irishhealthservice)\n- [HSE TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hselive)\n- [HSE YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg)\n- [HSE LinkedIn](https:\/\/ie.linkedin.com\/company\/health-service-executive)\n\n- [Complaints and feedback](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/complaints-feedback\/)\n- [Emergencies](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-urgent-emergency-care\/)\n- [Cookie settings](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/panic-disorder\/)\n\n## Support links\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/cookie-statement\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Privacy statement](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/privacy-statement\/)\n- [Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.hse.ie\/disclaimer\/)\n\n© Health Service Executive","attrs_readable_markdown":"Panic disorder is where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear.\n\nEveryone has feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.\n\nFor someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic can happen regularly and at any time. They often happen for no obvious reason.\n\n## Symptoms\nSigns of a panic disorder include anxiety and panic attacks.\n\n### Anxiety\nAnxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe and can include feelings of worry and fear.\n\nYou may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll cause another attack.\n\nThis can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.\n\n[Generalised anxiety disorder in adults](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/generalised-anxiety-disorder\/)\n\n[Anxiety in children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/anxiety-disorders-children\/)\n\n### Panic attacks\nA panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. It can come on very quickly for no clear reason, and can be very distressing.\n\nSymptoms include:\n\n- shaking, tingling, numbness (especially in hands, legs, or face)\n- feeling disorientated, dizzy, lightheaded, faint\n- feeling disconnected from your body\n- feeling sick (nausea)\n- rapid and irregular heartbeats (palpitations)\n- dry mouth\n- shortness of breath\n- sweating, hot flushes\n- a need to go to the bathroom urgently\n- a ringing in your ears\n- a feeling of dread or a fear of dying\n\nIn most cases, panic attacks last between 5 and 30 minutes before going away.\n\nThe number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your panic disorder is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month. Others have them a few times a week.\n\nPanic attacks can be frightening, but they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm. It's unlikely that you'll need to go to hospital if you have one.\n\nThe symptoms of panic attacks can also be symptoms of other health conditions. You may not always be having a panic attack. For example, you can have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure.\n\n[Panic attacks](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/panic-attacks\/)\n\n## Causes of panic disorder\nThe exact cause of panic disorder is not known.\n\nMost experts think it is a combination of biological and psychological factors.\n\n### Biological factors\nThis is when your body reacts in a certain way to specific situations.\n\n#### Fight, flight or freeze response\nPanic disorder is linked to your body's natural fight, flight or freeze response. This is your body's way of protecting you from stressful or dangerous situations - both real and imagined.\n\nAnxiety and fear cause your body to release hormones like adrenaline. This can cause your breathing and heart rate to increase.\n\nWhen you feel threatened, your body responds by preparing you to fight, run away or freeze. This automatic reaction is your body's way of protecting you from the threat.\n\nWith panic disorder, your fight, flight or freeze response may be triggered when it is not needed. This results in a panic attack, even if there is no obvious or imminent threat.\n\n#### The fear network\nThis theory suggests that the brains of people with panic disorders may create stronger emotions, including fear. This can trigger a panic attack.\n\n#### Spatial awareness\nThere is a link between panic disorder and spatial awareness. Spatial awareness is the ability to judge where you are in relation to other objects and people.\n\nSome people with panic disorder have a weak sense of balance and awareness of space. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and disorientated in crowded places. This can lead to a panic attack.\n\n### Psychological factors\nPsychological factors that increase your risk of developing panic disorder include:\n\n- a traumatic childhood experience\n- a stressful event\n- past mental health difficulties\n- alcohol or drug use\n- being in an unhappy relationship\n## When to see your GP\nTalk to your GP if your symptoms have made everyday activities difficult for you.\n\nThey'll ask you:\n\n- what symptoms you have\n- how often the symptoms happen\n- how long you have had the symptoms\n\nThey may also do a physical examination to rule out other conditions.\n\nIt can be difficult to talk to someone else about your feelings, emotions and personal life. But try not to feel too embarrassed.\n\nYou may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have experienced at least:\n\n- two unexpected panic attacks\n- a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks\n## Treatments for panic disorder\nTreatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.\n\nTalk therapy and medicines are the 2 main treatments for panic disorder.\n\nYou may need 1 of these or both, depending on:\n\n- your symptoms\n- the severity\n- how distressed you've been\n- how long you've been having them\n- the impact on your day-to-to day life\n### Talk therapy\nYour GP may recommend [talk therapy (counselling and psychotherapy)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/services-support\/talk-therapy\/).\n\nThey may be able to refer you for talk therapy or tell you ways to find a therapist.\n\nTalk to your GP regularly while you're having therapy. They can assess your progress and see how you're doing.\n\nThe type of talk therapy you may have is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).\n\n### CBT and panic attacks\nCBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you manage difficulties by thinking in a more balanced way. It can help you to recognise unhelpful patterns of behaviour and recommend ways of coping.\n\nYou can talk to your therapist about how you react to a panic attack and what you think about when it happens.\n\nYour therapist can teach you ways of changing your behaviour. For example, breathing techniques to help you keep calm during an attack.\n\n[CBT](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/services-support\/talking-therapies\/#cognitive-behavioural-therapy)\n\n### Medicine\nIf you and your GP think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed an [antidepressant](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/about-antidepressants\/).\n\nYou may also be prescribed an anti-epilepsy drug such as [pregabalin](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/pregabalin\/).\n\nIf your anxiety is severe, a benzodiazepine such as clonazepam may be prescribed. This is for short-term or occasional use.\n\n### Referral to a specialist\nYour GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.\n\nThis can happen if your symptoms do not improve with CBT, group support or medicine.\n\nThe specialist will assess you and create a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.\n\n### Things you can try yourself\nIt's important to not to let your fear of panic attacks control you. [Read our tips on how to handle panic attacks.](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/panic-attacks\/#how-to-handle-a-panic-attack)\n\n### Support groups\nPanic disorder can have a big impact on your life. But support is available. It might help to speak to others who have it.\n\nAsk your GP about support groups for panic disorder near you.\n\n[Organisations that provide mental health support](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/services-support\/supports-services\/)\n\n## Complications of panic disorder\nPanic disorder is treatable and you can make a full recovery. It's best to get help from your GP as soon as you can.\n\nIf you do not get help from your GP, panic disorder can become very difficult to cope with.\n\nIf untreated, panic disorder can increase your risk of:\n\n- [depression](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/clinical-depression\/)\n- [agoraphobia](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/agoraphobia\/)\n- [other types of phobia](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/phobias\/)\n- [harmful alcohol or drug use](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well\/alcohol\/)\n## Panic disorder in children\nPanic disorder is more common in young people than in children.\n\nPanic attacks can be hard for children and young people to deal with. If they do not get early treatment, severe panic disorder can have a big impact on their life.\n\nIf your child has signs and symptoms of panic disorder, bring them to their GP.\n\nTheir GP will go through their medical history and do a physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms.\n\nThey may refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. The specialist may recommend CBT for your child.\n\nThey may also check for other anxiety disorders to find the cause of your child's panic attacks.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

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4. Spam/Ban Check

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5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

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INDEXABLE

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CRAWLED

1 day ago

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URL	https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-disorder/
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Meta Title	Panic disorder
Meta Description	Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear. Find out more about panic disorder, including symptoms, causes and treatment.
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Boilerpipe Text	Panic disorder is where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear. Everyone has feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations. For someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic can happen regularly and at any time. They often happen for no obvious reason. Symptoms Signs of a panic disorder include anxiety and panic attacks. Anxiety Anxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe and can include feelings of worry and fear. You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll cause another attack. This can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks. Generalised anxiety disorder in adults Anxiety in children Panic attacks A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. It can come on very quickly for no clear reason, and can be very distressing. Symptoms include: shaking, tingling, numbness (especially in hands, legs, or face) feeling disorientated, dizzy, lightheaded, faint feeling disconnected from your body feeling sick (nausea) rapid and irregular heartbeats (palpitations) dry mouth shortness of breath sweating, hot flushes a need to go to the bathroom urgently a ringing in your ears a feeling of dread or a fear of dying In most cases, panic attacks last between 5 and 30 minutes before going away. The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your panic disorder is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month. Others have them a few times a week. Panic attacks can be frightening, but they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm. It's unlikely that you'll need to go to hospital if you have one. The symptoms of panic attacks can also be symptoms of other health conditions. You may not always be having a panic attack. For example, you can have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure. Panic attacks Causes of panic disorder The exact cause of panic disorder is not known. Most experts think it is a combination of biological and psychological factors. Biological factors This is when your body reacts in a certain way to specific situations. Fight, flight or freeze response Panic disorder is linked to your body's natural fight, flight or freeze response. This is your body's way of protecting you from stressful or dangerous situations - both real and imagined. Anxiety and fear cause your body to release hormones like adrenaline. This can cause your breathing and heart rate to increase. When you feel threatened, your body responds by preparing you to fight, run away or freeze. This automatic reaction is your body's way of protecting you from the threat. With panic disorder, your fight, flight or freeze response may be triggered when it is not needed. This results in a panic attack, even if there is no obvious or imminent threat. The fear network This theory suggests that the brains of people with panic disorders may create stronger emotions, including fear. This can trigger a panic attack. Spatial awareness There is a link between panic disorder and spatial awareness. Spatial awareness is the ability to judge where you are in relation to other objects and people. Some people with panic disorder have a weak sense of balance and awareness of space. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and disorientated in crowded places. This can lead to a panic attack. Psychological factors Psychological factors that increase your risk of developing panic disorder include: a traumatic childhood experience a stressful event past mental health difficulties alcohol or drug use being in an unhappy relationship When to see your GP Talk to your GP if your symptoms have made everyday activities difficult for you. They'll ask you: what symptoms you have how often the symptoms happen how long you have had the symptoms They may also do a physical examination to rule out other conditions. It can be difficult to talk to someone else about your feelings, emotions and personal life. But try not to feel too embarrassed. You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have experienced at least: two unexpected panic attacks a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks Treatments for panic disorder Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms. Talk therapy and medicines are the 2 main treatments for panic disorder. You may need 1 of these or both, depending on: your symptoms the severity how distressed you've been how long you've been having them the impact on your day-to-to day life Talk therapy Your GP may recommend talk therapy (counselling and psychotherapy) . They may be able to refer you for talk therapy or tell you ways to find a therapist. Talk to your GP regularly while you're having therapy. They can assess your progress and see how you're doing. The type of talk therapy you may have is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT and panic attacks CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you manage difficulties by thinking in a more balanced way. It can help you to recognise unhelpful patterns of behaviour and recommend ways of coping. You can talk to your therapist about how you react to a panic attack and what you think about when it happens. Your therapist can teach you ways of changing your behaviour. For example, breathing techniques to help you keep calm during an attack. CBT Medicine If you and your GP think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed an antidepressant . You may also be prescribed an anti-epilepsy drug such as pregabalin . If your anxiety is severe, a benzodiazepine such as clonazepam may be prescribed. This is for short-term or occasional use. Referral to a specialist Your GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. This can happen if your symptoms do not improve with CBT, group support or medicine. The specialist will assess you and create a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. Things you can try yourself It's important to not to let your fear of panic attacks control you. Read our tips on how to handle panic attacks. Support groups Panic disorder can have a big impact on your life. But support is available. It might help to speak to others who have it. Ask your GP about support groups for panic disorder near you. Organisations that provide mental health support Complications of panic disorder Panic disorder is treatable and you can make a full recovery. It's best to get help from your GP as soon as you can. If you do not get help from your GP, panic disorder can become very difficult to cope with. If untreated, panic disorder can increase your risk of: depression agoraphobia other types of phobia harmful alcohol or drug use Panic disorder in children Panic disorder is more common in young people than in children. Panic attacks can be hard for children and young people to deal with. If they do not get early treatment, severe panic disorder can have a big impact on their life. If your child has signs and symptoms of panic disorder, bring them to their GP. Their GP will go through their medical history and do a physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms. They may refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. The specialist may recommend CBT for your child. They may also check for other anxiety disorders to find the cause of your child's panic attacks.
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-disorder/#maincontent) - [Jobs](https://about.hse.ie/jobs/job-search/) - [HSE Staff](https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/) - [About the HSE](https://about.hse.ie/) Menu Close Toggle search Search Close Recommended links - [Medical cards](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/) - [European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/ehic/) - [Find urgent and emergency care](https://www2.hse.ie/services/urgent-emergency-care/) - [Find a civil registration service](https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/find-a-civil-registration-service/) - [GP visit cards](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/gp-visit-cards/gp-visit-cards/) - [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) - [Services](https://www2.hse.ie/services/) - [Living well](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/) - [Mental health](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/) - [Pregnancy and birth](https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/) - [Babies and children](https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/) - [Jobs](https://about.hse.ie/jobs/job-search/) - [HSE Staff](https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/) - [About the HSE](https://about.hse.ie/) - [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) - [Services](https://www2.hse.ie/services/) - [Living Well](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well) 1. [Home](https://www2.hse.ie/) 2. [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) [Back to Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/) ### Warning notification:Warning Unfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers: 1. [Chrome](https://www.google.com/intl/en_ie/chrome/ "Chrome") 2. [Edge](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 "Edge") 3. [FireFox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ "FireFox") 4. [Opera](https://www.opera.com/ "Opera") 5. [Safari](https://www.apple.com/safari/ "Safari") # Panic disorder Panic disorder is where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear. Everyone has feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations. For someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic can happen regularly and at any time. They often happen for no obvious reason. ## Symptoms Signs of a panic disorder include anxiety and panic attacks. ### Anxiety Anxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe and can include feelings of worry and fear. You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll cause another attack. This can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks. [Generalised anxiety disorder in adults](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/) [Anxiety in children](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/anxiety-disorders-children/) ### Panic attacks A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. It can come on very quickly for no clear reason, and can be very distressing. Symptoms include: - shaking, tingling, numbness (especially in hands, legs, or face) - feeling disorientated, dizzy, lightheaded, faint - feeling disconnected from your body - feeling sick (nausea) - rapid and irregular heartbeats (palpitations) - dry mouth - shortness of breath - sweating, hot flushes - a need to go to the bathroom urgently - a ringing in your ears - a feeling of dread or a fear of dying In most cases, panic attacks last between 5 and 30 minutes before going away. The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your panic disorder is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month. Others have them a few times a week. Panic attacks can be frightening, but they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm. It's unlikely that you'll need to go to hospital if you have one. The symptoms of panic attacks can also be symptoms of other health conditions. You may not always be having a panic attack. For example, you can have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure. [Panic attacks](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-attacks/) ## Causes of panic disorder The exact cause of panic disorder is not known. Most experts think it is a combination of biological and psychological factors. ### Biological factors This is when your body reacts in a certain way to specific situations. #### Fight, flight or freeze response Panic disorder is linked to your body's natural fight, flight or freeze response. This is your body's way of protecting you from stressful or dangerous situations - both real and imagined. Anxiety and fear cause your body to release hormones like adrenaline. This can cause your breathing and heart rate to increase. When you feel threatened, your body responds by preparing you to fight, run away or freeze. This automatic reaction is your body's way of protecting you from the threat. With panic disorder, your fight, flight or freeze response may be triggered when it is not needed. This results in a panic attack, even if there is no obvious or imminent threat. #### The fear network This theory suggests that the brains of people with panic disorders may create stronger emotions, including fear. This can trigger a panic attack. #### Spatial awareness There is a link between panic disorder and spatial awareness. Spatial awareness is the ability to judge where you are in relation to other objects and people. Some people with panic disorder have a weak sense of balance and awareness of space. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and disorientated in crowded places. This can lead to a panic attack. ### Psychological factors Psychological factors that increase your risk of developing panic disorder include: - a traumatic childhood experience - a stressful event - past mental health difficulties - alcohol or drug use - being in an unhappy relationship ## When to see your GP Talk to your GP if your symptoms have made everyday activities difficult for you. They'll ask you: - what symptoms you have - how often the symptoms happen - how long you have had the symptoms They may also do a physical examination to rule out other conditions. It can be difficult to talk to someone else about your feelings, emotions and personal life. But try not to feel too embarrassed. You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have experienced at least: - two unexpected panic attacks - a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks ## Treatments for panic disorder Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms. Talk therapy and medicines are the 2 main treatments for panic disorder. You may need 1 of these or both, depending on: - your symptoms - the severity - how distressed you've been - how long you've been having them - the impact on your day-to-to day life ### Talk therapy Your GP may recommend [talk therapy (counselling and psychotherapy)](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/talk-therapy/). They may be able to refer you for talk therapy or tell you ways to find a therapist. Talk to your GP regularly while you're having therapy. They can assess your progress and see how you're doing. The type of talk therapy you may have is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). ### CBT and panic attacks CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you manage difficulties by thinking in a more balanced way. It can help you to recognise unhelpful patterns of behaviour and recommend ways of coping. You can talk to your therapist about how you react to a panic attack and what you think about when it happens. Your therapist can teach you ways of changing your behaviour. For example, breathing techniques to help you keep calm during an attack. [CBT](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/talking-therapies/#cognitive-behavioural-therapy) ### Medicine If you and your GP think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed an [antidepressant](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/about-antidepressants/). You may also be prescribed an anti-epilepsy drug such as [pregabalin](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/pregabalin/). If your anxiety is severe, a benzodiazepine such as clonazepam may be prescribed. This is for short-term or occasional use. ### Referral to a specialist Your GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. This can happen if your symptoms do not improve with CBT, group support or medicine. The specialist will assess you and create a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. ### Things you can try yourself It's important to not to let your fear of panic attacks control you. [Read our tips on how to handle panic attacks.](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-attacks/#how-to-handle-a-panic-attack) ### Support groups Panic disorder can have a big impact on your life. But support is available. It might help to speak to others who have it. Ask your GP about support groups for panic disorder near you. [Organisations that provide mental health support](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/supports-services/) ## Complications of panic disorder Panic disorder is treatable and you can make a full recovery. It's best to get help from your GP as soon as you can. If you do not get help from your GP, panic disorder can become very difficult to cope with. If untreated, panic disorder can increase your risk of: - [depression](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/clinical-depression/) - [agoraphobia](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/agoraphobia/) - [other types of phobia](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/phobias/) - [harmful alcohol or drug use](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/alcohol/) ## Panic disorder in children Panic disorder is more common in young people than in children. Panic attacks can be hard for children and young people to deal with. If they do not get early treatment, severe panic disorder can have a big impact on their life. If your child has signs and symptoms of panic disorder, bring them to their GP. Their GP will go through their medical history and do a physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms. They may refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. The specialist may recommend CBT for your child. They may also check for other anxiety disorders to find the cause of your child's panic attacks. * Content supplied by the [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE Page last reviewed: 14 July 2025 Next review due: 14 July 2028 ## HSE Live - we're here to help Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sunday: Closed Bank holidays: Closed Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700) From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)** - [HSE Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HSElive/) - [HSE Instagram](https://instagram.com/irishhealthservice) - [HSE TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@hselive) - [HSE YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg) - [HSE LinkedIn](https://ie.linkedin.com/company/health-service-executive) - [Complaints and feedback](https://www2.hse.ie/complaints-feedback/) - [Emergencies](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/) - [Cookie settings](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-disorder/) ## Support links - [Cookie statement](https://www2.hse.ie/cookie-statement/) - [Accessibility](https://www2.hse.ie/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy statement](https://www2.hse.ie/privacy-statement/) - [Disclaimer](https://www.hse.ie/disclaimer/) © Health Service Executive
Readable Markdown	Panic disorder is where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear. Everyone has feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations. For someone with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic can happen regularly and at any time. They often happen for no obvious reason. ## Symptoms Signs of a panic disorder include anxiety and panic attacks. ### Anxiety Anxiety is a feeling of unease. It can range from mild to severe and can include feelings of worry and fear. You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll cause another attack. This can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks. [Generalised anxiety disorder in adults](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/) [Anxiety in children](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/anxiety-disorders-children/) ### Panic attacks A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. It can come on very quickly for no clear reason, and can be very distressing. Symptoms include: - shaking, tingling, numbness (especially in hands, legs, or face) - feeling disorientated, dizzy, lightheaded, faint - feeling disconnected from your body - feeling sick (nausea) - rapid and irregular heartbeats (palpitations) - dry mouth - shortness of breath - sweating, hot flushes - a need to go to the bathroom urgently - a ringing in your ears - a feeling of dread or a fear of dying In most cases, panic attacks last between 5 and 30 minutes before going away. The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your panic disorder is. Some people have attacks once or twice a month. Others have them a few times a week. Panic attacks can be frightening, but they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm. It's unlikely that you'll need to go to hospital if you have one. The symptoms of panic attacks can also be symptoms of other health conditions. You may not always be having a panic attack. For example, you can have a racing heartbeat if you have very low blood pressure. [Panic attacks](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-attacks/) ## Causes of panic disorder The exact cause of panic disorder is not known. Most experts think it is a combination of biological and psychological factors. ### Biological factors This is when your body reacts in a certain way to specific situations. #### Fight, flight or freeze response Panic disorder is linked to your body's natural fight, flight or freeze response. This is your body's way of protecting you from stressful or dangerous situations - both real and imagined. Anxiety and fear cause your body to release hormones like adrenaline. This can cause your breathing and heart rate to increase. When you feel threatened, your body responds by preparing you to fight, run away or freeze. This automatic reaction is your body's way of protecting you from the threat. With panic disorder, your fight, flight or freeze response may be triggered when it is not needed. This results in a panic attack, even if there is no obvious or imminent threat. #### The fear network This theory suggests that the brains of people with panic disorders may create stronger emotions, including fear. This can trigger a panic attack. #### Spatial awareness There is a link between panic disorder and spatial awareness. Spatial awareness is the ability to judge where you are in relation to other objects and people. Some people with panic disorder have a weak sense of balance and awareness of space. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed and disorientated in crowded places. This can lead to a panic attack. ### Psychological factors Psychological factors that increase your risk of developing panic disorder include: - a traumatic childhood experience - a stressful event - past mental health difficulties - alcohol or drug use - being in an unhappy relationship ## When to see your GP Talk to your GP if your symptoms have made everyday activities difficult for you. They'll ask you: - what symptoms you have - how often the symptoms happen - how long you have had the symptoms They may also do a physical examination to rule out other conditions. It can be difficult to talk to someone else about your feelings, emotions and personal life. But try not to feel too embarrassed. You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have experienced at least: - two unexpected panic attacks - a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks ## Treatments for panic disorder Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms. Talk therapy and medicines are the 2 main treatments for panic disorder. You may need 1 of these or both, depending on: - your symptoms - the severity - how distressed you've been - how long you've been having them - the impact on your day-to-to day life ### Talk therapy Your GP may recommend [talk therapy (counselling and psychotherapy)](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/talk-therapy/). They may be able to refer you for talk therapy or tell you ways to find a therapist. Talk to your GP regularly while you're having therapy. They can assess your progress and see how you're doing. The type of talk therapy you may have is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). ### CBT and panic attacks CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you manage difficulties by thinking in a more balanced way. It can help you to recognise unhelpful patterns of behaviour and recommend ways of coping. You can talk to your therapist about how you react to a panic attack and what you think about when it happens. Your therapist can teach you ways of changing your behaviour. For example, breathing techniques to help you keep calm during an attack. [CBT](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/talking-therapies/#cognitive-behavioural-therapy) ### Medicine If you and your GP think it might be helpful, you may be prescribed an [antidepressant](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/about-antidepressants/). You may also be prescribed an anti-epilepsy drug such as [pregabalin](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/pregabalin/). If your anxiety is severe, a benzodiazepine such as clonazepam may be prescribed. This is for short-term or occasional use. ### Referral to a specialist Your GP may refer you to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. This can happen if your symptoms do not improve with CBT, group support or medicine. The specialist will assess you and create a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. ### Things you can try yourself It's important to not to let your fear of panic attacks control you. [Read our tips on how to handle panic attacks.](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/panic-attacks/#how-to-handle-a-panic-attack) ### Support groups Panic disorder can have a big impact on your life. But support is available. It might help to speak to others who have it. Ask your GP about support groups for panic disorder near you. [Organisations that provide mental health support](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/supports-services/) ## Complications of panic disorder Panic disorder is treatable and you can make a full recovery. It's best to get help from your GP as soon as you can. If you do not get help from your GP, panic disorder can become very difficult to cope with. If untreated, panic disorder can increase your risk of: - [depression](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/clinical-depression/) - [agoraphobia](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/agoraphobia/) - [other types of phobia](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/phobias/) - [harmful alcohol or drug use](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/alcohol/) ## Panic disorder in children Panic disorder is more common in young people than in children. Panic attacks can be hard for children and young people to deal with. If they do not get early treatment, severe panic disorder can have a big impact on their life. If your child has signs and symptoms of panic disorder, bring them to their GP. Their GP will go through their medical history and do a physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms. They may refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. The specialist may recommend CBT for your child. They may also check for other anxiety disorders to find the cause of your child's panic attacks.
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