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Warning-sign checks

Panic disorder: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if symptoms could represent a heart attack, stroke, severe breathing problem, or another immediate medical emergency.

    Contact emergency services or a local crisis service, and stay with a trusted person if possible.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical assessment for:

    • New, severe, or unexplained chest pain
    • Fainting, severe breathing difficulty, or a sustained irregular heartbeat
    • New weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, or confusion
    • Symptoms after a medication change, overdose, or substance withdrawal
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have repeated panic attacks, persistent fear of another attack, or avoidance that affects daily life.

    You should also seek advice if symptoms are changing, treatment is not helping, or a medicine is causing side effects.

The article also says

Do not assume that new symptoms are caused by panic disorder, even if you have had panic attacks before.

Get immediate crisis support if you may harm yourself, have made a suicide plan, or cannot stay safe.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Panic disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.