Panic Disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Panic disorder means having repeated, unexpected panic attacks: sudden waves of intense fear that peak within minutes, with a racing heart, breathlessness or dizziness, followed by worry about the next attack. Panic attacks feel frightening but are not harmful in themselves, and the disorder is treatable.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Sudden intense fear
- Racing heart / palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
How it is usually treated
- CBT with panic-focused protocols
- SSRIs and SNRIs
- Benzodiazepines
- Interoceptive exposure therapy
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My heart races and I feel I will faint”
- “I get sudden attacks of fear out of nowhere”
- “I am scared of having another panic attack”
- “I feel I cannot breathe”
People who live with panic disorder may also notice agoraphobia, depression or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
If you have chest pain for the first time, or any symptom that could be a heart problem, get it checked by a doctor first. Go to the nearest hospital or call 112 if the pain is severe.
How it is diagnosed
Because the symptoms resemble heart and thyroid problems, a doctor first rules out physical causes. A psychiatrist then asks about how the attacks start, how often they come and what you avoid.
Treatment and support
- CBT focused on panic, which teaches what is happening in the body and how to respond
- Gradual practice of the sensations and places that feel threatening
- Breathing and relaxation skills
- Treating related anxiety or avoidance
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess panic and start therapy that you can practise between sessions. Your clinician will say when a physical check is needed first. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks what worries or fears show up, when, and what you avoid because of them, and rules out other causes.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist can prescribe if medicine would help, and a clinical psychologist can teach skills such as CBT and exposure-based work.
Between sessions
You practise skills between sessions, and reviews look at what is getting easier.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Are panic attacks dangerous?
The attack itself is not harmful, although it feels frightening. If you have new chest pain, have it checked by a doctor to be safe.
How do I tell a panic attack from a heart attack?
They can feel alike, so a doctor should rule out a heart problem the first time. Do not diagnose it yourself.
Can panic disorder be treated?
Yes. CBT helps most people reduce attacks and the fear of them.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.
Sources
Related conditions
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Agoraphobia
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
- Specific Phobias
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Selective Mutism