Panic Disorder

What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder is characterized by chronic, repeated, and unexpected panic attacks—bouts of overwhelming fear of being in danger when there is no specific cause for the fear. In between panic attacks, people with panic disorder worry excessively about when and where the next attack may occur.

What are the characteristics of a panic attack?

Panic attacks can accompany several types of anxiety disorders—not only panic disorder. The following are the most common symptoms of a panic attack. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Pounding heart
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath
Sensation of choking
Nausea or abdominal pain
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling unreal or disconnected from oneself
Fear of losing control
Fear of "going crazy" or dying
Numbness
Chills or hot flashes
Physical symptoms that mimic a heart attack and/or chest pain

Panic disorder can be distressing and disabling. The rate of irritable bowel syndrome is higher among people with panic disorder than among the general population. Alcohol may be abused as a means to relieve stress.

The symptoms of a panic attack may resemble other psychiatric conditions. Always see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Who is affected by panic disorder?

Panic disorder typically first occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, but may also begin in childhood. Women are twice as likely as men to experience this disorder, and some people may be genetically predisposed to the disorder. About 1 to 2 percent of Americans suffer from panic disorder.