What Is a Panic Disorder?

By Darryl A. Hill, MD

Laurel Medical Associates, LLC

. http://laurelmedicine.com

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What Is a Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a common condition in which a person has episodes of intense fear or anxiety. This can occur suddenly (often without warning). This can also significantly interfere with how one interacts in public. Episodes are called panic attacks and can last from minutes to hours. In most cases they are unpredictable.

What Happens During a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks are associated with physical symptoms that include the following:

• Shaking
• Feeling that your heart is pounding or racing (palpitations)
• Sweating
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling that you are choking
• A person may also have an extreme fear of dying during a panic attack.

Many of the symptoms that occur during a panic attack can mimic other conditions including a heart attack.

What Treatments Are Available For Panic Disorder?

Several medicines are available to help manage or prevent panic attacks along with behavioral treatment strategies.

Consult your doctor for further recommendations or questions about any medical related topics that you may have.