Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder. When panic attacks occur repeatedly, without warning, it is called panic disorder. These attacks can happen many times every day or every week. People with this disorder might worry about having these attacks throughout the day. It can interfere with work and personal life.
Panic is a "fight or flight" reaction. It is an adrenaline surge that goes wrong. How it happens is not known. Scientists know that certain parts of the brain and nervous system cause the emotional and physical surge of fear. A panic attack is very scary, but having one attack doesn't usually mean that you are developing panic disorder.
Panic disorder usually begins when you are a teenager or a young adult. Sometimes it begins after age 30, but almost never in middle age or later. It tends to run in families. Studies of identical twins suggest a genetic link to the disorder. However, one half or more of people with panic disorder do not have a close relative with the same problem.
Many people with panic disorder also have agoraphobia, which means you avoid going places or doing things because you are afraid you will panic and have no help. It is common to have depression along with panic disorder.
Having at least 4 of the following symptoms means a person is having a panic attack:
These feelings start suddenly and become very strong, usually within 10 minutes. The attacks are often unpredictable.
The symptoms of panic disorder are the same as a panic attack except that the attacks come repeatedly, the person is quite fearful between attacks that another attack will happen, and changes behavior to avoid another panic attack. Panic attacks usually last from 20 to 30 minutes.
Because common symptoms of a panic attack include chest pain and shortness of breath, you may mistake a panic attack for a heart attack. If you have severe chest pain or trouble breathing, get medical treatment right away to find out the cause.
Your healthcare provider or a mental health professional can tell you if your symptoms are caused by panic disorder.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and any drug or alcohol use. You may have lab tests to rule out medical problems such as hormone imbalances. It is important to make sure that medical problems are not causing the panic attacks. Some medicines may cause or increase panic attacks. You may need to change your medicines to make sure they are not part of the problem. No lab tests can diagnose panic disorder.
If you worry about having another panic attack, or have the symptoms of panic attacks for more than 30 days, it usually means that you have panic disorder.
Do not try to overcome panic disorder all by yourself. Panic disorder can be successfully treated with psychotherapy and medicine. Discuss these treatment choices with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
Medicine
Several medicines can help treat panic disorder. Your healthcare provider will work with you to carefully select the best one for you.
Psychotherapy
Seeing a psychiatrist or psychotherapist is helpful. There are several kinds of therapy that can help a person with anxiety. Support groups are also very helpful.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is especially effective with panic disorder. CBT is a way to help you identify and change thoughts that lead to panic attacks. Replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones can help you to control panic attacks and the fear that a panic attack will happen.
Claims have been made that certain herbal and dietary products help control panic disorder symptoms. No herb or dietary supplement has been proven to consistently or completely relieve symptoms of panic disorder. Supplements are not tested or standardized and may vary in strength and effects. They may have side effects and are not always safe.
Learning ways to relax may help. Yoga and meditation may also be helpful. You may want to talk with your healthcare provider about using these methods along with medicines and psychotherapy.
Panic disorder may affect you for a short time or may continue for many years. With treatment, most people improve in less than a year.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. To help control panic disorder:
Do not try to overcome panic disorder all by yourself. Seek help from your healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
Get emergency care if you or a loved one has serious thoughts of suicide or self harm. Also seek immediate help if you have severe chest pain or trouble breathing.
