Panic disorder Health Article

Definition

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes repeated, unexpected attacks of intense fear. These attacks may last from minutes to hours.

See also: Generalized anxiety disorder

Alternative Names

Panic attacks

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The exact cause of panic disorders is unknown. Genetics may play a role. Studies suggest that if one identical twin has panic disorder, the other twin will also develop the condition 40% of the time. However, panic disorder often occurs in family members who are not blood relatives.

Panic disorder is twice as common in women as in men.

Symptoms usually begin before age 25. Although panic disorder may occur in children, it is often not diagnosed until they are older. People with this condition often have medical tests and exams for symptoms related to heart attack or other conditions before a diagnosis of panic disorder is made.

Symptoms

With panic disorder, at least four of the following symptoms suddenly occur within 10 minutes. Attacks may be followed by at least 1 month of persistent fear of having another attack.

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or faintness
• Fear of dying
• Fear of losing control
• Feeling of choking
• Feelings of detachment
• Feelings of unreality
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Numbness or tingling
• Palpitations or pounding heart
• Sensation of shortness of breath
• Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
• Trembling or shaking

There are often extreme changes in behavior at home, school, work, or with family. People with the disorder often worry about the significance of their panic attacks. They may think they are "going crazy" or having a heart attack.

A person with panic disorder often lives in fear of another attack and may be afraid to be alone or to be far from medical help.