What Is Panic Disorder?

The major symptoms of panic disorder are repeated sudden attacks of extreme fear and discomfort. Usually, it is associated with severe physical symptoms.

Physical symptoms of panic disorder

• Hyperventilation or breathlessness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Palpitations (racing heart beat)
• Chest pain
• Restlessness
• Sickness
• Tremor
• Excessive sweating

Usually, people with panic disorder avoid places and situations, which they think might result in a panic attack. Sometimes, they may also avoid or fear public places. This situation is called agoraphobia. People with panic disorder often have catastrophic illness beliefs during the panic attack, such as convictions that they are going to die from a heart attack or stroke. The fear of a stroke is linked to headache and dizziness. The fear of a heart attack comes with palpitations and chest pain. Therefore, an individual suffering from a panic attack may mistakenly go to an accident and emergency department of a hospital. Some people with long-standing panic attacks may deny anxious feelings and simply complain the physical symptoms. Usually, the health-care professionals rule out any physical cause of the symptoms and ask about previous treatments. They should give the patient information regarding panic disorder and advise to see the GP. Generally, a person should not be admitted to a hospital, if he/she has had a panic attack.

The lifetime prevalence of panic attack is about five per cent. Panic disorders occur four or more times as commonly in first-degree relatives of affected individuals, indicating a genetic influence.


Related Links:

Planning the Management of Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder: Psychological Management
Panic Disorder: Pharmacological Management
Panic Disorder: Self-help
What Happens If a Treatment for Panic Disorder Doesn’t Work?
Panic Disorder: Information for Carers and Patient’s Questions 
What Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?