Panic Disorders: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Image credit: verywellmind.com

What is panic disorder?

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear. Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.

Do you have a panic disorder?

Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.

What is panic disorder & how does it affect a person?

Panic disorder can lead to serious disruptions in daily functioning and make it difficult to cope with normal, everyday situations that may trigger feelings of intense panic and anxiety. To be diagnosed with a panic disorder, a person must experience recurrent and often unexpected panic attacks, according to the DSM-5.

What are the symptoms of panic disorder?

The main symptoms of panic disorder are attacks of intense fear and discomfort that happen unexpectedly and repeatedly. There may also be physical symptoms such as chest pain, sickness, dizziness, a racing heart beat, breathlessness, sweating or shaking. People with panic disorder may avoid situations that they think might lead to a panic attack.

Do you have anxiety & panic disorder?

Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It's a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations. But someone with panic disorder has feelings of anxiety, stress and panic regularly and at any time, often for no apparent reason. Anxiety is a feeling of unease.

How common are panic attacks?

Panic attacks are common, occurring in at least 11% of adults each year. Most people recover from panic attacks without treatment, but a few develop panic disorder. Panic attacks may occur as part of any anxiety disorder . Panic attacks may also occur in people with other mental health disorders (such as depression ).

What causes a panic attack?

post-traumatic stress disorder – a condition with psychological and physical symptoms caused by distressing or frightening events A panic attack occurs when your body experiences a rush of intense psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. You may experience an overwhelming sense of fear, apprehension and anxiety.

What Is Panic Disorders

1. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/panic-disorder/
2. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/panic-disorder
3. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-panic-disorder-2795468
4. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/panic-attacks/
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021
6. https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/conditions/panic-disorder/what-is-panic-disorder/
7. https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-overview
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_disorder
9. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/panic-disorder

Panic Disorders Information

1. https://patient.info/mental-health/anxiety/panic-attack-and-panic-disorder
2. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113/ifp/chapter/Panic-disorder
3. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/mental-health-disorders/anxiety-and-stress-related-disorders/panic-attacks-and-panic-disorder