Panic disorder

Sudden discrete surges of intense fear with palpitations, dyspnoea, chest pain, trembling, derealisation

RoutineReview due

At a glance

PE, arrhythmia, ACS, asthma, thyrotoxicosis, severe stimulant use.

Watch forPEarrhythmiaACSasthma

Abrupt peak over minutes, recurrent unexpected attacks, anticipatory anxiety or avoidance.

Separates the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group. It is not specific to Panic disorder.

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group — not specific to Panic disorder

Sudden discrete surges of intense fear with palpitations, dyspnoea, chest pain, trembling, derealisation

Key features

PE, arrhythmia, ACS, asthma, thyrotoxicosis, severe stimulant use.

High-risk causes6 causes

Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group.

Abrupt peak over minutes, recurrent unexpected attacks, anticipatory anxiety or avoidance.

Helpful clues

Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group.

None listed

Priority steps

Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group.

None listed

Core tests

Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.