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. As a result, the
diagnosis of panic disorder is frequently not made until extensive and costly
medical procedures fail to provide a correct diagnosis or relief.

Many people 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.

Panic Attack Symptoms·        

Pounding heart
Chest pains
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Nausea or stomach problems
Flushes or chills
Shortness of breath or a feeling of smothering or choking
Tingling or numbness
Shaking or trembling
Feelings of unreality
Terror
A feeling of being out of control or going crazy
Fear of dying
Sweating

Facts About Panic Disorder

Approximately 2.4 million American adults ages 18 to 54, or about 1.7
percent 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
people with panic disorder.


Treatments for Panic Disorder

Treatments for panic disorder include medications, commonly the selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and a type of psychotherapy known as
cognitive-behavioral therapy. which teaches people how to view panic
attacks differently and demonstrates ways to reduce anxiety.

NIMH is conducting a large-scale study to evaluate the effectiveness of
combining these treatments. Appropriate treatment by an experienced
professional can reduce or prevent panic attacks in 70 to 90 percent
of people with panic disorder.

Significant improvement is usually seen within 6 to 8 weeks.

Most patients show significant progress after a few weeks of
therapy. Relapses may occur, but they can often be effectively treated just
like the initial episode.  

(Source: NIMH, National Institute for Mental Health.)