Panic Attacks

People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. The person having a panic attack experiences physical symptoms, like a pounding heart, weakness and a smothering sensation.

The sufferer may genuinely believe that he or she is having a heart attack or stroke, or is on the verge of death. The sufferer cannot predict when an attack will occur, and many develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike. In between times there is a persistent, lingering worry that another attack could come any minute.

Most panic attacks last for just a few minutes, but they can last longer. In rare cases, they may last an hour or more.

Panic disorder can strike one in every 10 Americans over their lifetime. It can appear at any age, but most often it begins in young adults, and affects twice as many women as men.

Not everyone who experiences panic attacks will develop panic disorder. This much more serious condition is often accompanied by other conditions such as depression or alcoholism, and may give rise to phobias, which can develop in places or situations where panic attacks have occurred. For example, if a panic attack strikes while the sufferer is out shopping, he or she may develop a fear of stores, and start avoiding them.

Some people's lives become greatly restricted as they start to avoid any situation where they fear a panic attack may occur. When people's lives become so affected by the disorder that they are afraid to leave their homes, the condition is called agoraphobia. This is a fear of public or open places.

See also:
- What is Anxiety?
- What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
- What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
- What are Phobias?
- What is Post-Tramautic Stress Disorder?

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.