Panic disorder

Panic disorder is a mental disorder, specifically an anxiety disorder, characterized by reoccurring unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a sense of impending doom. The maximum degree of symptoms occurs within minutes. There may be ongoing worries about having further attacks and avoidance of places where attacks have occurred in the past.

The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood; however, there are several factors linked to the disorder, such as a stressful or traumatic life event, having close family members with the disorder, and an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Diagnosis involves ruling out other potential causes of anxiety including other mental disorders, medical conditions such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism, and drug use. Screening for the condition may be done using a questionnaire.

Panic disorder is usually treated with counselling and medications. The type of counselling used is typically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is effective in more than half of people. Medications used include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Following stopping treatment, up to 30% of people have a recurrence.

Panic disorder affects about 2.5% of people at some point in their lives. It usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood, but may affect people of any age. It is less common in children and elderly people. Women are more likely than men to develop panic disorder.