Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Panic Attacks Treatment
1. Calm the Person
Ask the person what you can do to help.
Reassure the person that the attack will probably pass in a few minutes.
Encourage the person to take slow, even breaths.
Do not minimize the person's symptoms.
If unable to calm the person, take him or her to see a health care provider right away.
2. Follow Up
See a health care provider if the person has had more than one panic attack. This can lead to problems such as depression, agoraphobia (fear of open or public spaces), or substance abuse.
The health care provider may refer the person to a mental health professional for therapy and medication.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
American Psychiatric Association: "Panic Disorder."
American Psychological Association: "Answers to Your Questions About Panic Disorder."
National Institute of Mental Health: "Panic Disorders: When Fear Overwhelms."
FamilyDoctor.org: "Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia."