Panic disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. These sensations often mimic symptoms of a heart attack or other life-threatening medical conditions. consequently, the diagnosis of panic disorder is frequently not made until extensive and costly medical procedures fail to provide a correct diagnosis or relief.

A lot of persons with panic disorder develop intense anxiety between episodes. It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop phobias about places or situations where panic attacks have occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations. As the frequency of panic attacks increases, the person often begins to avoid situations where they fear another attack may occur or where help would not be immediately available. This avoidance may eventually develop into agoraphobia , an inability to go beyond known and safe surroundings because of intense fear and anxiety.

Facts About Panic Disorder

• Approximately 2.4 million American adults ages 18 to 54, or about 1.7% of people in this age group in a given year, have panic disorder.
• Panic disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood and is twice as common in women as in men.
• Panic disorder may coexist with other disorders, most often depression and substance abuse. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of other disorders are important to successfully treating panic disorder.

Fortunately, research has led to the development of treatments to help persons with panic disorder.