Panic Disorder Treatment

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder is a recognised anxiety disorder characterised by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing concern about experiencing future attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that develops rapidly and may occur without an obvious trigger.

Some people refer to this condition as panic anxiety disorder. While this term is commonly used, healthcare professionals generally use the diagnostic term Panic Disorder.

During a panic attack, a person may experience a combination of physical and psychological symptoms that can feel overwhelming. Because these symptoms can closely resemble those of other medical conditions, particularly during a first episode, medical assessment is important to help determine the underlying cause and rule out other health conditions.

For some people, the fear of having another panic attack becomes an ongoing source of anxiety. This may lead to avoiding certain places, situations or activities, which can begin to affect work, relationships, social activities and overall quality of life.

Panic Disorder is a treatable condition. Early assessment and access to evidence-based care can help people better understand their symptoms and develop an appropriate management plan

While panic attacks can be frightening, support is available. Management usually involves understanding the condition, identifying contributing factors and working with healthcare professionals to develop an individualised care plan that reflects a person’s symptoms, medical history and overall health.

How do I know if I need support for Panic Disorder?

Experiencing a panic attack does not necessarily mean you have Panic Disorder. However, if panic attacks become recurrent or begin affecting your daily life, it is important to seek medical advice.

You may benefit from further assessment if you experience:

Recurrent or unexpected panic attacks
Persistent concern about having another panic attack
Avoiding places or situations because of the fear that symptoms may occur
Anxiety that is affecting work, study or relationships
Changes to your usual routine because of panic attacks
Difficulty concentrating due to ongoing worry
Feeling constantly alert to physical sensations that may trigger anxiety

Symptoms of a panic attack may include

Symptoms often develop suddenly and may include:

A racing or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain or chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or feeling faint
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Tingling sensations
Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
A fear of losing control or that something serious is happening

These symptoms may also occur in other physical or mental health conditions. If you experience severe panic-like symptoms for the first time, prompt medical assessment is recommended to determine the underlying cause.

How common is Panic Disorder?

Panic Disorder affects people of all ages and backgrounds and is one of several recognised anxiety disorders. Although many people experience a panic attack at some point in their lives, Panic Disorder is diagnosed when panic attacks become recurrent and are accompanied by persistent concern or behavioural changes as a result of them.

Early assessment can help distinguish Panic Disorder from other physical or mental health conditions and support timely access to appropriate care.

How is Panic Disorder commonly treated?

Panic Disorder is commonly managed using evidence-based treatments that are tailored to each person’s symptoms, medical history and individual circumstances.

Psychological therapies, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), are recognised as a first-line treatment for Panic Disorder. CBT helps many people understand the patterns of thinking and behaviour associated with panic attacks while developing practical strategies for responding to them.

Treatment may also include lifestyle measures that support overall mental well-being, such as improving sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and reducing factors that may contribute to anxiety. Conventional medical treatment, including prescription medicines, may also be appropriate for some people following clinical assessment.

Not every treatment option is suitable for every individual. Management decisions should always be based on a comprehensive clinical assessment and tailored to each person’s needs, with regular review to ensure care remains appropriate over time.

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Evidence-Based Care for Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is most commonly managed using evidence-based psychological therapies, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), alongside lifestyle support and conventional medical treatment where appropriate.

CannaPlus+ provides medical consultations to understand your symptoms, review your medical and mental health history, and discuss whether treatment options within our scope may be appropriate for your broader care plan.

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be advised to continue working with your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, or another mental health provider, or be referred back to them, to ensure you receive the most appropriate assessment, treatment, and ongoing support.

Current Evidence

Research into cannabinoid-based medicines and anxiety-related conditions is continuing, but the evidence relating specifically to Panic Disorder remains limited and continues to evolve.

At present, psychological therapies, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), together with lifestyle support and conventional medical treatment where appropriate, remain the primary evidence-based approaches for managing Panic Disorder. Cannabinoid-based medicines are not considered a first-line treatment for this condition.

Some early research has explored whether cannabinoid-based medicines may have a role in managing certain anxiety-related symptoms in selected patients. However, further high-quality clinical research is needed before clear conclusions can be drawn regarding their role in the management of Panic Disorder.

These medicines are not suitable for everyone. Products containing THC may worsen anxiety, panic symptoms or other mental health symptoms in some individuals, particularly those with certain underlying mental health conditions.

Any decision regarding treatment should follow an individual medical assessment that considers your symptoms, medical history, mental health history, current medicines and overall health. Treatment suitability varies from person to person.

Is a consultation with CannaPlus+ appropriate?

At CannaPlus+, our role is to provide a comprehensive medical consultation to better understand your symptoms, medical history and broader health needs.

During your consultation, our doctors will review your current symptoms, relevant medical and mental health history, previous treatments and any other factors that may influence your care.

Where appropriate, we can discuss whether treatment options within our scope may be suitable as part of your broader care plan. Our recommendations are based on an individual clinical assessment and consider both potential benefits and potential risks.

For many people living with Panic Disorder, ongoing care will continue to involve their GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professionals. Where appropriate, we may recommend continuing your existing treatment, liaising with your healthcare providers, or seeking further specialist assessment.

Treatment suitability is assessed individually. Some people, including those with a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, significant mental health instability, substance use disorder, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may require specialist input or may not be suitable for certain treatment options.

Important Safety Information

Seek urgent medical attention immediately if you experience:

Chest pain
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Severe or persistent shortness of breath
New weakness, numbness or other neurological symptoms
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations or delusional thinking
Feeling unable to keep yourself or others safe

If you are experiencing severe panic-like symptoms for the first time, prompt medical assessment is recommended, as physical health conditions can sometimes present with symptoms similar to a panic attack.

ⓘ The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.

Talk to CannaPlus+ today

If you would like to discuss your symptoms or better understand your treatment options, CannaPlus+ offers personalised medical consultations that take into account your overall health, medical history and current care.

Our doctors will review your symptoms, relevant medical and mental health history, and previous treatments before discussing whether treatment options within our scope may be appropriate for your broader care plan. Where appropriate, we can work alongside your GP and other healthcare providers to support coordinated care.

Book a consultation to discuss your symptoms, medical history and the most appropriate next steps for your care.