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AAMFT Therapy Topic

Panic Disorder

Case example: Michael was driving home from work one day and was caught in traffic. He suddenly noticed that his heart was beginning to race. He then felt short of breath, and tightness in his chest. When he began to sweat, he became concerned and drove to the nearest emergency room where they could find nothing physically wrong with him. Michael had just experienced his first panic attack. Over the next few weeks, the attacks became worse, and he started to avoid driving altogether.

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which the key symptom is the experience of unexpected panic attacks. These panic attacks consist of physical and/or cognitive symptoms such as racing heart, dizziness, blurred vision, fear of death, trembling, sweating, and shortness of breath. As shown in the above example, the experience of panic attacks may lead to the development of avoidance behavior, known as agoraphobia. In Michael's case, he started to avoid driving out of concern that he might have another panic attack, so his agoraphobia was limited to driving. However, it is common for avoidance behavior to occur in multiple situations. Those with panic disorder with agoraphobia may stop or reduce activities such as drinking coffee, sexual encounters, or taking hot showers in an effort to control the sensations that are associated with panic attacks.

Panic disorder with agoraphobia is the most common of the panic-related disorders, although individuals may also report panic disorder without agoraphobia (panic attacks without avoidance behavior) or agoraphobia without a history of panic (avoidance behavior related to one or two sensations of panic, but has never had an actual attack).

The Impact of Panic Disorder on Individuals and Families

The experience of panic can range from mild (where the person will have limited interference in their daily routine) to extremely severe (possibly resulting in being partially or completely housebound). The experience of panic for most panic sufferers is frightening and the avoidance can greatly alter one's lifestyle (e.g., inability to drive to work). As a change in their lifestyle becomes apparent, there is also a change in their personal relationships. Others around the person must take on more of the day-to-day routine and responsibilities (e.g., going to grocery stores or taking the kids to school). This may cause those around the panic sufferer to feel more stress from their increased duties. The additional stress experienced by the family can cause resentment and anger towards the person and then worsen the panic symptoms. At the same time, she or he may begin to show signs of depression as a result of their changed family role. The negativity that comes with depression may then lead the person to believe that they don't have the capability to improve their condition, and consequently increase their dependency, depression, and panic symptoms. If left untreated, this disorder can be consuming.

Knowing When to Seek Help

What Treatments are Available?


Anti-panic medications may be recommended, including benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam. These medications work well and are generally considered safe, quick acting, and have fewer side effects than other types of medications. While both medications and psychotherapy are effective, some patients have a preference for one type versus another.


The text for this brochure was written by Michele M. Carter, Ph.D.

Use the AAMFT Consumer Update "Panic Disorder" pamphlets to market your practice.


Books Available on Amazon.com

Other Resources

Anxiety Disorders Association of America: This mission of ADAA is to promote the prevention, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders and to improve the lives of all people who suffer from them.
Address: 8730 Georgia Ave. Suite 600, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 240-485-1001

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