Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. For more detailed information on panic attacks...
Sometimes the fear of these episodes causes people to fear going out in public, a condition called agoraphobia.
Signs & Symptoms
People with this disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. During a panic attack, most likely a person's heart will pound and her or she may feel sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. Hands may tingle or feel numb, and one might feel flushed or chilled. Nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations, a sense of unreality, or fear of impending doom or loss of control may be present.
Effective treatments for this disorder are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with panic disorder and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives. For more information on treatment...