In the UK, to whom does one speak for medication for panic attacks?
a GP or a psychiatrist?
In UK all consultations begin in primary care with the GP. If he feels it appropriate to manage the patient, he will do so. If he feels a more specialist opinion from secondary care is required he will make a referral.
Many doctors will offer alternatives to medication in the case of panic attacks. Psychotherapy is often much more successful and long lasting.
Comments
Comment from sticky_feijoa
Time December 25, 2009 at 4:20 am
A GP can do it. Have you tried using rescue remedy? It really helps me when I can feel myself getting out of control and the pounding heart and all that. It just helps me relax and I take a few deep breaths trough my nose into my belly, not my chest. It works well for me and has none of the nasty side effects of medication.
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Comment from Danny
Time December 25, 2009 at 4:32 am
Go see your doctor 1st! i have panic attacks and he prescribed me Citalopram with really does help! if the problem is mentally (like something has bothered you and triggered them then he will send you to a psychiatrist! but i would definatly suggest you see a gp , it really does help. all the best.
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Comment from sisbon13
Time December 25, 2009 at 4:50 am
Suppose your GP is the first person to go to, unless you have a history of using a psych. Explain yourself to your GP/psych and you should be ok
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Comment from HARVE!!!
Time December 25, 2009 at 4:56 am
gp first 2 assess you if need be you will be refered to a psychiatrist!!!
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Comment from Dr Frank
Time December 25, 2009 at 5:46 am
In UK all consultations begin in primary care with the GP. If he feels it appropriate to manage the patient, he will do so. If he feels a more specialist opinion from secondary care is required he will make a referral.
Many doctors will offer alternatives to medication in the case of panic attacks. Psychotherapy is often much more successful and long lasting.
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GP for more years than I care to remember
Comment from laplandfan
Time December 25, 2009 at 6:21 am
Go to the GP as he can prescribe you a medication to help ease panic attacks. Amitryptyline is a very common one used.
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Comment from Blair H
Time December 25, 2009 at 6:41 am
Well I went straight to my GP who gave me Diazepam to use ‘as needed’.
Your doctor will be able to give you something after hearing how bad your symptoms are.
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Comment from Heavenly20
Time December 25, 2009 at 7:05 am
Well i went to my gp 1st,who then refered me to a mental health clinic.It did take a few months though,if your quite bad stress that to your doctor and also phone around self help groups etc….if your like me and can’t do that then look around for other councelling centers.Good luck.
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Comment from blackcatpenny
Time December 25, 2009 at 7:20 am
GP
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Comment from Lacey Lottie
Time December 25, 2009 at 7:32 am
Your GP first Your can talk to him too.
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Comment from Tluni
Time December 25, 2009 at 7:54 am
GP, it’s unlikely you’ll need to see a psychiatrist!!! If anything you may get referred to a psychologist, therapist or counsellor. I had medication and counselling (cognitive behavioural therapy, and I think this combined approach has been the best…..I’ve tried one or the other in the past)
Good luck 
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Comment from Rozzy
Time December 25, 2009 at 8:18 am
If you want medication to be prescribed for you, you need to see your GP first. You can’t just go straight to an NHS psychiatrist.
However, have you ever thought about going the non-medication route? Why would you want to take medication which could have side-effects and won’t get to the cause of the problem?
It would be a good idea to see a well-qualified hypnotherapist. Such practitioners work with people with panic attacks frequently and the success rate is high. Panic attacks are relatively easy to treat so you can deal with them yourself and stop them from occurring. Really this is much better than taking drugs. Good luck ~RJS
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Comment from Lydee
Time December 25, 2009 at 8:46 am
You would need to see your GP, who can prescribe meds and also refer you for counselling. Seeing a psychiatrist probably won’t be necessary as it is not a psychiatric issue, but a psychological one and doesn’t need a diagnosis.
It’s more likely you would be referred to a psychologist or counsellor than a psychiatrist.
HTH : )
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Comment from james c
Time December 25, 2009 at 9:28 am
A GP. He (or she) may refer you to someone who specialises in panic attacks.
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Comment from shawna
Time December 25, 2009 at 4:06 am
Either can give it to you, but sometimes GP’s would rather have you go to the psych. for the diagnosis.
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