Panic Disorder
What is Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is diagnosed in people who experience spontaneous, seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks, and are preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack. Panic attacks occur unexpectedly, sometimes even during sleep.
A panic attack is defined as the abrupt onset of intense fear that reaches a peak within a few minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms:
a feeling of imminent danger or doom
the need to escape
heart palpitations
sweating
trembling
shortness of breath or
a smothering feeling
a feeling of choking
chest pain or discomfort
nausea or abdominal discomfort
dizziness or lightheadedness
a sense of things being unreal, depersonalization
a fear of losing control or "going crazy"
a fear of dying
tingling sensation
chills or heat flush
Since many of the symptoms of panic disorder mimic those of illnesses such as heart disease, thyroid problems, and breathing disorders, people with panic disorder often make many visits to emergency rooms or doctors' offices, convinced they have a life-threatening illness. It often takes months or years and a great deal of frustration before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Panic disorder typically develops in early adulthood. It is three times more common in women than in men. Many people don't know that their disorder is real and highly responsive to treatment. Some are afraid or embarrassed to tell anyone, including their doctors and loved ones, about what they experience for fear of being considered a hypochondriac. Instead they suffer in silence, distancing themselves from friends, family, and others who could be helpful or supportive.
The disorder often occurs with other mental and physical disorders, including other anxiety disorders, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or substance abuse. This may complicate of getting a correct diagnosis.
Info provided from adaa.org
