Panic disorder
An anxiety disorder marked by sudden, intense panic attacks.
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by reoccurring unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a sense of impending doom, with the maximum degree of symptoms occurring within minutes. The disorder affects about 2.5% of people at some point in their lives, usually beginning during adolescence or early adulthood, and is more common in women than men.
- field
- Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology
- known_for
- Recurring unexpected panic attacks, treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications
- prevalence
- Affects about 2.5% of people at some point in their lives
- typical_onset
- Adolescence or early adulthood
- gender_ratio
- Women are more likely than men to develop panic disorder
Lore & Background
Panic disorder involves a series of intense episodes of extreme anxiety during panic attacks, which typically last about ten minutes but can range from 1–5 minutes to twenty minutes to an hour, occasionally longer. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, perspiration, dizziness, dyspnea, trembling, uncontrollable fear such as fear of losing control or dying, hyperventilation, choking sensation, chest pain, nausea, numbness, chills or hot flashes, and a sense of altered reality. Nocturnal panic attacks are common, and some attacks appear unprovoked while others are triggered by specific stimuli or settings.
Reader's Guide
The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but factors include stressful or traumatic life events, having close family members with the disorder, and an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Psychological models highlight the role of adverse childhood experiences, such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, parental alcoholism, and parental separation. Substance use, including tobacco smoking, caffeine, and certain medications, is associated with increased risk or exacerbation of symptoms. Diagnosis involves ruling out other mental disorders, medical conditions like heart disease or hyperthyroidism, and drug use. Treatment typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), effective in more than half of people, and medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Following stopping treatment, up to 30% of people experience a recurrence.
Did You Know?
- Panic attacks can last as short as 1–5 minutes or up to an hour, and occasionally longer until helpful intervention is made.
- People with panic disorder often have a strong wish to escape from the situation that provoked the attack.
- Tobacco smoking, especially when started in adolescence or early adulthood, increases the risk of developing panic disorder.
- About 30% of people with panic disorder use alcohol and 17% use other psychoactive drugs.
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