Panic Disorder

What is panic disorder (PD)? 

Panic Disorder (PD) involves the experience of fearing recurrent and unexpected panic attacks in situations that are of little danger. During a panic attack, people experience sudden and strong physical symptoms including a racing heart, hyperventilation, shaking, and upset stomach, as well as thoughts of losing control, going crazy, having a heart attack, or dying. 

What does panic feel like? 

• Severe panic sensations can happen to anyone. 

• In general, anxiety tends to involve worrying about future events, whereas panic tends to focus more on the present. Panic also involves feeling a sense of approaching danger, a fear of losing control, and the perception of helplessness. 

• Panic attacks can be terrifying experiences. Often, people who have panic attacks will start to avoid places where they might have a panic attack and where they might also have difficulty getting help. The condition is called “Agoraphobia.” 

Who gets PD? 

• PD usually has a sudden onset when people are in their mid-to-late twenties; however, children can also develop PD and PD can emerge later in adulthood. 
• Stressful life events are common at the time when PD first develops.