Dr Vohra's · Updated
Signs to look for
- Sudden surges of intense fear peaking within minutes
- Racing heart, chest tightness, breathlessness, dizziness, tingling
- Fear of dying, losing control or going mad during the attack
- Persistent worry about the next attack, avoidance of places where attacks happened
At Dr Vohra's
Who to see first: a psychiatrist or a psychologist; the clinic coordinates both.
Clinicians: Dr. Sandeep Vohra
Treatments: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Psychiatric consultation, Medication management
ICD-11: 6B01
Panic attack or heart attack?
A first attack should be checked by a doctor, because chest pain and breathlessness have medical causes. Features that point to panic: it peaks within ten minutes and fades, it comes with tingling, a sense of unreality and fear of losing control, it happens at rest or in specific situations, and the heart and ECG are normal. Once a doctor has ruled out a cardiac cause, repeated visits to emergency departments usually mean panic disorder, and the right next step is a psychiatrist or psychologist.
How is panic disorder treated at Dr Vohra's?
CBT for panic teaches what the body is doing during an attack (adrenaline, not danger), then deliberately brings on the sensations in session (spinning, fast breathing, stair climbing) until they lose their threat, and drops the safety behaviours (carrying water, sitting near exits, avoiding exercise) that keep the fear alive. Agoraphobic avoidance is treated with graded exposure.
Medication: an SSRI where attacks are frequent or depression is present; benzodiazepines only rarely and briefly, because they interfere with the learning CBT depends on.
During an attack
- Remind yourself it will peak and pass within minutes; it cannot harm you
- Slow the out-breath; do not take deep gulps of air
- Stay where you are if you safely can; leaving teaches the brain that the place was dangerous
- Note what happened and tell your therapist
Frequently asked questions
- Can panic attacks be cured?
- Yes. Most people treated with CBT become panic-free, and the skills prevent recurrence.
- Do I need tests before treatment?
- A physical check and ECG are sensible after a first attack. After that, repeated tests are not needed and tend to feed the worry.
- How do I book an appointment at Dr Vohra's?
- Call or WhatsApp +91 99992 49223, email help@drvohras.com, or use the contact form. Appointments are in person at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, or online by secure video or voice call across India, in English and Hindi.
- What if I am in crisis right now?
- Call Tele-MANAS 14416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019, both 24x7 and free anywhere in India, or 112 for emergency services. Dr Vohra's is an outpatient clinic, not an emergency service.