Panic Disorder
People with panic disorder have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are characterized by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder. Panic attacks can occur at any time. Panic attacks can occur as frequently as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year. Most panic attacks last between 5 and 20 minutes. Some have been reported to last up to an hour.
Panic disorder often begins in the late teens or early adulthood. Women are more likely than men to develop panic disorder. The presentation is as follows
Recurrent Panic Attacks
Sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes, including symptoms such as:Palpitations or pounding heart
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or smothering sensations
- Feelings of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Chills or hot flashes
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Feelings of unreality or detachment from oneself
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
Persistent Worry
Significant concern about having additional panic attacks or their consequences, or a change in behavior related to the attacks.
Causes of Panic disorder are result of a traumatic or very stressful life experience, such as bereavement, an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain can also be the causal factor.
Treatment for Panic disorder is psychotherapy (CBT), medication, or both.
