A type of anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected panic attacks that last minutes or, rarely, hours. Panic attacks begin with intense apprehension, fear or terror and, often, a feeling of impending doom. Symptoms experienced during a panic attack include dyspnea or sensations of being smothered; dizziness, loss of balance or faintness; choking sensations; palpitations or accelerated heart rate; shakiness; sweating; nausea or other form of abdominal distress; depersonalization or derealization; paresthesias; hot flashes or chills; chest discomfort or pain; fear of dying and fear of not being in control of oneself or going crazy. Agoraphobia may also develop. Similar to other anxiety disorders, it may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

An anxiety disorder characterized by multiple unexpected panic attacks with persistent concern of recurring attacks. Panic disorder may or may not be accompanied by agoraphobia.

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It causes repeated panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear, discomfort, or a sense of losing control. These attacks happen even though there is no real danger. They often cause physical symptoms. For example, you may have a rapid or pounding heartbeat and feel like you are having a heart attack. If you have panic attacks, it doesn't mean you will develop a panic disorder. Many people only have one or two panic attacks in their lifetime and get better without treatment. But some of the people who have panic attacks do develop panic disorder. They have repeated panic attacks. The attacks can happen as often as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year. People with panic disorder often worry about having another attack. It may cause them to avoid places and situations where they had panic attacks in the past. Panic disorder is not life-threatening, but it can be upsetting and affect your quality of life. And if it is not treated, it can sometimes lead to other health conditions, including depression and substance use disorders. The cause of panic disorder is unknown. Researchers think that certain factors may play a role: Genetics - panic disorder sometimes runs in families. But no one knows for sure why some family members have it while others don't.; Brain biology and chemistry.; Your environment.; Major stress. Panic disorder is more common in women than men. It often starts in the late teens or early adulthood. Sometimes it starts when a person is under a lot of stress. People who have had trauma, especially in childhood, are more likely to develop panic disorder. People with panic disorder may have: Sudden and repeated panic attacks of overwhelming anxiety and fear; A feeling of being out of control or a fear of death during a panic attack; An intense worry about another panic attack; A fear or avoidance of places and situations where they had panic attacks in the past; Physical symptoms during a panic attack, such as: Pounding or racing heart; Sweating or chills; Trembling or shaking; Trouble breathing; The feeling that they are choking; Weakness or dizziness; Chest pain; Stomach pain or nausea. . Panic attacks can happen anytime, without warning. They can last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. To find out if you have panic disorder, your health care provider: Will ask about your medical history and symptoms; May check if an unrelated physical problem is causing your symptoms, for example with: A physical exam; Blood tests to check for thyroid problems and other possible conditions; Heart health tests.; May do a panic disorder test; May refer you to a mental health provider for the panic disorder test or other types of psychological evaluations. Treatment for panic disorder usually includes one or more of the following: Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, which can help you understand your feelings. It may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy that helps you change your negative thoughts and how you react to things that cause you to feel anxiety.; Medicines, including: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs); Anti-anxiety medicines. . Your provider may also suggest that you follow a healthy lifestyle, which may help with panic disorder. It may include: Avoiding alcohol; Reducing caffeine; Eating regular...

Specific psychological phenomenon characterized by sudden onset of anxiety (often unrelated to objective events), accompanied by autonomic symptoms such as tachycardia, paresthesia, flushing, and sweating.

Panic disorder is characterized by the spontaneous and unexpected occurrence of panic attacks, the frequency of which can vary from several attacks per day to only a few attacks per year. Panic attacks are defined as a period of intense fear in which 4 of 13 defined symptoms develop abruptly and peak rapidly less than 10 minutes from...

Panic disorder is characterized by recurring unexpected panic attacks over a 1-month period and associated worry about their recurrence or implications. Panic attacks involve the sudden onset of intense physical and cognitive symptoms of anxiety that may be triggered by specific cues or occur unexpectedly. Panic disorder may also be...

Panic disorder, anxiety disorder characterized by repeated panic attacks that leads to persistent worry and avoidance behaviour in an attempt to prevent situations that could precipitate an attack. Panic attacks are characterized by the unexpected, sudden onset of intense apprehension, fear, or...