Panic Disorders

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which someone has repeated attacks of intense fear that something bad will occur when not expected. The person lives in fear that another attack will occur. The exact cause of panic disorders is unknown.

 

A panic attack begins suddenly, and most often peaks within 10 - 20 minutes. Some symptoms may linger for 1 or more hours afterwards. During a panic attack, the person believes he or she is "going crazy," having a heart attack, or about to die.

 

Panic attacks cannot be predicted. At least in the early stages of the disorder, there is no cue or trigger that starts the attack. Panic attacks may include anxiety about being in a situation where an escape may be difficult (such as being in a crowd or traveling in a car or bus).

 

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

 

People with panic problems worry about the next attack.  Panic attacks can leave people feeling totally out of control. The good news is that panic attacks are treatable in therapy with a skilled clinician.