Panic Disorder Introduction & Overview

A panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by the presence of recurrent or unexpected panic attacks accompanied by physical symptoms such as fast heartbeat, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and dizziness. The main two elements that characterize the panic disorder are: (1) the presence of spontaneous, seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and (2) the persistent, terrifying fear of having future panic attacks. However, sometimes, panic attacks are confused with the panic disorder. A panic disorder is a psychiatric condition that requires treatment, while a panic attacks is one of the symptoms of Panic Disorder.

Panic disorder's evolution and manifestation can vary between individuals. One of the differences consists in the frequency and severity of the panic attacks. Some individuals experience panic attacks that occur regularly (once a week), while others report more frequent attacks (daily for a week) followed by a quiet period (a month or few weeks) without any attack. Another significant difference is the interpretation associated with the consequences and implications of the panic attacks. Some individuals fear that the panic attacks indicate the presence of an undiagnosed, life-threatening medical condition. Unfortunately, these individuals remain frightened and continue to believe in the existence of a serious, undiagnosed disease even when medical investigations prove the opposite. Others fear that panic attacks are a sign of "getting crazy". In some cases, individuals with panic disorder report constant or intermittent feelings of general anxiety.

Panic disorder affects over 6 million American adults. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the onset age of this disorder is in late teen and young adult years. In rare cases, it can develop after the age of 35. Panic disorder is three time more common among women than men. Once the disorder develops, it usually becomes chronic. One in three people that suffer from panic disorder also develop agoraphobia (an anxiety disorder characterized by the fear of experiencing panic attacks in settings where a possible escape is difficult).

Panic disorder can be difficult to recognize or diagnose because the majority of its symptoms are very similar with other medical conditions such as heart disease, thyroid or breathing disorders. Those that suffer from panic disorder have a rich history of visiting doctors' offices or emergency rooms convinced that they suffer from a life threatening medical conditions even if the medical tests prove otherwise. In general, it takes several months up to few years until the proper diagnosis is established. Left untreated, this disorder can be frightening, disruptive and debilitating because the person lives in constant fear of experiencing terrifying panic attacks.

There are several criteria that have to be met in order for a panic disorder diagnosis to be established:
1. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks or
....Panic attacks followed at least 1 month after one or more of the following:
- Worry about the possible implication or consequences of the attack.
- Persistent concern of having additional attacks.
- A significant change in behavior related to the attacks.
2. The panic attack is not caused by direct psychological effects of a substance (drug abuse or medication), a general medical condition, or other anxiety disorders (such as agoraphobia or obsessive-compulsive disorder).

Conditions & Diseases: Psychological & Mental Health

Panic Disorder