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Step 1
Ask the person to describe, to the best of his ability, what is causing him to have a panic attack. This is the best way to eliminate the possibility that there is a real threat, or that the person is experiencing a serious medical condition such as a heart attack. Remember, a panic disorder may be caused by very real conditions, such as hypoglycemia, inner-ear infections, and even congenital heart defects.
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Step 2
Find out whether the person is currently being treated by a medical professional for a panic disorder. She may be using prescription medications, combined with behavioral modification techniques to deal with panic attacks. Once you know the methods someone is using to treat her disorder, you can assist her in implementing those methods.
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Step 3
Avoid dismissing or discrediting the reasons why someone is having a panic attack. Phrases such as "there's nothing to worry about" or "it's all in your mind" will only serve to make the person feel more isolated and alone with his problems, exacerbating the situation. Don't justify the reasoning behind the panic attack, but remain empathetic and available.
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Step 4
Help someone having a panic attack by staying with him for the duration of the episode, which usually lasts around 10 minutes in most cases. Sit him down and help him to relax by talking to him in a calm, relaxed manner. Ask him to "talk through" the situation that is causing him to have the anxiety attack. Often a person can reduce feelings of fear and panic by simply talking about them.
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Step 5
Employ relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, or even focused physical activity such as walking, in order to help someone having a panic attack. This can help to reduce stress significantly as well as give the individual something else to think about other than her fears.
