Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear. The fear is accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. These sensations often mimic symptoms of a heart attack or other life-threatening medical conditions.
Many people with panic disorder also experience feelings of anxiety between episodes of panic. 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.
Heredity and other biologic factors, stressful life events, and thinking in a way that exaggerates normal bodily reactions are all believed to play a role in the onset of panic disorder. The exact causes of panic disorder are unknown and are the subject of intense scientific investigation.
About 6 million American adults have panic disorder. Women are twice as likely as men to develop panic disorder. Panic disorder typically strikes in the late teen years or young adulthood. Roughly half of all people who have panic disorder develop the condition before age 24.
Panic disorder can coexist with other disorders, most often depression and substance abuse. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of other disorders, such as substance abuse or depression, are important to successfully treat panic disorder.
What are the treatments for panic disorder? ][2]
[What are the risk factors for panic disorder?
[What are the symptoms of panic disorder?
[How is panic disorder diagnosed?
Are there screening tests for panic disorder?
[How can I reduce my risk of panic disorder?
References:
Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder.shtml . Updated January 23, 2009. Accessed March 25, 2009.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear. The fear is accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. These sensations often mimic symptoms of a heart attack or other life-threatening medical conditions.
Many people with panic disorder also experience feelings of anxiety between episodes of panic. 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.
Heredity and other biologic factors, stressful life events, and thinking in a way that exaggerates normal bodily reactions are all believed to play a role in the onset of panic disorder. The exact causes of panic disorder are unknown and are the subject of intense scientific investigation.
About 6 million American adults have panic disorder. Women are twice as likely as men to develop panic disorder. Panic disorder typically strikes in the late teen years or young adulthood. Roughly half of all people who have panic disorder develop the condition before age 24.
Panic disorder can coexist with other disorders, most often depression and substance abuse. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of other disorders, such as substance abuse or depression, are important to successfully treat panic disorder.
What are the treatments for panic disorder?
What are the risk factors for panic disorder?
What are the symptoms of panic disorder?
How is panic disorder diagnosed?
Are there screening tests for panic disorder?
How can I reduce my risk of panic disorder?
References:
Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder.shtml . Updated January 23, 2009. Accessed March 25, 2009.
References:
Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder.shtml . Updated January 23, 2009. Accessed March 25, 2009.
There are currently no guidelines for reducing your risk of panic disorder. As scientists learn more about the condition, your doctor may have more information regarding steps for reducing your risk of panic disorder.
References:
Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life. 11th ed. Allyn and Bacon; 2000.
Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder.shtml . Updated January 23, 2009. Accessed March 25, 2009.
If you have panic disorder , you may feel suddenly terrified for no reason. These unexpected and repeated bursts of terror are called panic attacks. Panic attacks can happen any time and any place without warning. They often happen in grocery stores, malls, crowds, or while traveling. Panic attacks don't last long, but they are so scary that they feel like they go on forever.
You may live in constant fear of another attack and may stay away from places where you have had an attack. For some people, fear takes over their lives and they may dread leaving their homes. They develop a condition known as agoraphobia , which is fear of unknown places or fear of being in places where you might feel trapped or unable to escape. People with agoraphobia fear being in crowds, standing in line, entering shopping malls, and riding in cars or public transportation.
Symptoms of panic attack include:
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop panic disorder with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing panic disorder. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Panic disorder typically develops between the ages of 15-24, especially for men. However, it can also begin in the 30s and 40s, especially for women. The prevalence of panic disorder seems to be increasing in younger generations.
Panic disorder is twice as common in women as in men. Pregnancy can either improve the condition or make it worse. Panic disorder with agoraphobia is more common in women, too. Approximately 80% of severe agoraphobics are women.
There is some evidence that panic disorder and other anxiety disorders tend to run in families. Many studies have shown that panic disorder is common among first-degree relatives of people with panic disorder. Family dynamics, such as overprotective behaviors and failure to learn effective coping skills, may play a role in panic disorder.
The initial appearance of panic attacks often follows a highly stressful event, such as being the victim of a crime, or the loss of a job, loved one, or important relationship.
If you have another mental disorder, such as depression or substance abuse ( alcoholism or drug abuse ), your risk of developing panic disorder is increased.
References:
Alloy L, Acocella J, Jacobsen N. Abnormal Psychology. 8th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill; 2000.
Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/panic-disorder/index.shtml .
Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry.2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2004.
Address:
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Phone:
1-240-485-1001
Internet address:
http://www.adaa.org/
Description of services provided:
This website provides information on anxiety disorders (for the public and health professionals), finding a therapist, self-help groups, and anxiety screening tools.
Address:
308 Seaview Ave
Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone:
1-718-351-1717
Internet address:
http://www.freedomfromfear.org/
Description of services provided:
This website provides an anxiety screening questionnaire, articles on anxiety and related mental health concerns, a message board, a national treatment network, links to additional mental health sites, and a Freedom From Fear Friends Club.
Address:
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Arlington, VA 22209-3901
Phone:
1-703-907-7300
Internet address:
http://www.psych.org/
Description of services provided:
This website provides information for the public and healthcare professionals on psychiatric disorders, as well as access to news releases, books, and journals.
The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.
There are no screening tests or screening guidelines for panic disorder.
Diagnosis of panic disorder can be difficult because several other physical and mental disorders are associated with panic attacks. You will need a thorough physical and mental evaluation before a proper diagnosis can be made. Diagnosis of panic attack is based on a proper evaluation and the criteria outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV).
In the DSM-IV, panic disorder is defined as recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having another attack, worry about the consequences of panic attacks, and a change in behavior as a result of the attacks.
Your doctor will conduct an evaluation that may include the following:
Initial Assessment
Your doctor will ask about the following:
Evaluation of Medical Disorders
Your doctor will also look for and rule out medical disorders that could cause your symptoms. Medical conditions commonly associated with panic disorder include:
Your doctor should also ask about your intake of:
Evaluation for Substance Abuse
Use or withdrawal from addictive substances can cause symptoms of panic. Substances that can cause symptoms of panic include stimulants, such as cocaine and caffeine. Your doctor may also ask about your use of alcohol , nicotine , addictive medications (particularly sedatives), illegal drugs , and other substances.
Evaluation of Other Psychiatric Disorders
Depression , generalized anxiety disorder , social phobia , substance abuse, and personality disorders often occur with panic disorder. You may be evaluated for these and other disorders.
References:
Abnormal Psychology. 8th ed. Alloy, Jacobson, and Acocella; 2000.
Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder.shtml . Updated January 23, 2009. Accessed March 25, 2009.
References:
Anxiety Disorders Association of America website. Available at: http://www.adaa.org/ .
Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder.shtml . Updated January 23, 2009. Accessed March 25, 2009.
You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with panic disorder. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
