If you experience frequent panic attacks, you may be living with panic disorder.
Therapy, self-care, and other strategies can reduce your panic attacks. Some people need medication to improve their functioning.
Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) specialize in treating mental health conditions. They can help you manage panic disorder and other concerns.
Panic attacks are intense waves of fear and anxiety that can arise seemingly out of nowhere. They can bring on uncomfortable physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and more. If you have frequent panic attacks, you may be living with panic disorder. A psychiatrist can help you manage this condition.
Psychiatrists and PMHNPs specialize in mental health. They’re highly skilled in identifying and diagnosing conditions like panic disorder. Other medical and mental health professionals provide similar services. But working with a psychiatric provider offers some unique advantages. Unlike therapists and psychologists, psychiatric providers can prescribe medication. They can also collaborate with your care team, provide referrals, and offer support on your mental health journey.
When to see a psychiatrist for panic disorder
Panic disorder is typically treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Like other mental health concerns, panic disorder exists on a spectrum. It affects different people in different ways and varies in severity.
Some people can manage their panic attacks with therapy and self-care. But others may need medication to improve their functioning. In that case, they may need to consult a psychiatrist.
You may want to consider seeing a psychiatrist for panic disorder if:
You have complex medical needs that affect your mental health.
You have a co-occurring mental health concern (or you suspect you might).
You’ve tried therapy, self-care, and other strategies but haven’t been able to get your panic attacks under control.
Your panic attacks are becoming more severe or frequent.
Your panic attacks are impacting your well-being and ability to function.
You’re interested in taking medication as part of your panic disorder treatment.
Another provider has recommended that you consult with a psychiatric provider.
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How a psychiatrist diagnoses panic disorder
To diagnose panic disorder, a psychiatrist will:
Review your history. This includes your medical, mental health, family, and social history.
Ask you about your symptoms. They may ask about when your symptoms started, how often they happen, and any known triggers. Your provider will also want to know what you’ve already tried.
Check the diagnostic criteria. Your provider will compare your experience with the official list of panic disorder symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5).
Rule out other conditions. Some medical and mental health concerns share symptoms with panic disorder. For example, some mood disorders, phobias, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders may cause panic attacks. In addition, physical conditions like angina, asthma, congestive heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, and pulmonary embolism can cause panic attacks.
Request additional testing. In some cases, your provider may ask you to get other evaluations. This can include doing blood work, scans, and more to help ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Different ways a psychiatrist can help
When it comes to managing panic disorder, seeing a psychiatrist can help in a few ways.
Prescribing medication
A psychiatric provider’s main role is medication management. This means they can prescribe medication and monitor its effectiveness over time. Psychiatrists can prescribe a variety of medications to reduce panic attacks.
If you’re interested in this approach, you and your provider can discuss which one might be best for you. Throughout this process, you can ask questions, like how long it will take for a medication to work or how it might benefit you.
Care team collaboration
Most psychiatric providers will readily collaborate with other members of your care team. With your permission, they’ll connect with your doctor, therapist, and other providers.
Creating open lines of communication can help keep everyone on the same page. That way, your care team will have a full understanding of your physical and mental health. Having your providers work together can help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Referrals and recommendations
Many people find relief from panic disorder using a combination of supports. This often includes therapy and self-management strategies.
Today, most psychiatrists don’t offer therapy. But they can provide referrals to therapists and other providers. If needed, they can also recommend coping strategies. For example, they can make suggestions to help you manage panic attacks in the moment or over the long term.
Psychiatric medication can be very effective in treating anxiety and panic-like symptoms so you can live a happier and fulfilled life. It’s important to work with your psychiatric provider on the correct dosage and medication that helps with your symptoms but doesn’t make you feel numb.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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Panic disorder can be scary and affect your day-to-day functioning. But with the help of a psychiatrist and other providers, you can get your panic under control. As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication for panic disorder. They can also collaborate with your care team, provide referrals, and teach coping skills to help you improve your mental health.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps
people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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