Panic Disorder

Understanding Panic Attacks and How They Affect Daily Life

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by repeated and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear. These attacks often occur with no apparent trigger and are accompanied by severe physical and psychological symptoms. They must not be the result of a medical condition, other mental health condition, or substance use. Symptoms can feel so severe that people sometimes mistake them for a heart attack. Common characteristics may include:

• Pounding or racing heart
• Sweating or chills
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath or a smothering sensation
• Chest pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• A feeling of being out of control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying or impending doom
• Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself (depersonalization or derealization).
• Worry about having another attack, which can cause avoidance behaviors.
• Fear of attacks may lead to avoiding certain places, activities, or situations.