Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder. It causes panic attacks, which are sudden feelings of terror for no reason. You may also feel physical symptoms, such as

Fast heartbeat
Chest pain
Breathing difficulty
Dizziness

Panic attacks can happen anytime, anywhere and without warning. You may live in fear of another attack and may avoid places where you have had an attack. For some people, fear takes over their lives and they cannot leave their homes.

Panic disorder is more common in women than men. It usually starts when people are young adults. Sometimes it starts when a person is under a lot of stress. Most people get better with treatment. Therapy can show you how to recognize and change your thinking patterns before they lead to panic. Medicines can also help.

National Institute of Mental Health

Panic Disorders on Wikipedia

'''Panic Disorder''' is a mental condition that causes the sufferer to experience sporadic bouts of frightening symptoms, such as racing heart, shortness of breath, or a feeling of hopeless loss of control.

Causes of Panic Disorder

It is not immediately clear what causes panic disorders, although it probably has to do with an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, especially those related to information processing. It is also unclear why certain individuals develop panic disorders, while others do not. Panic disorder may be passed through heredity, but it could be caused by a reaction to medication, diet, or stressful events.

Symptoms of Panic Disorder

Panic disorder sufferers usually have a series of intense episodes of extreme anxiety, known as panic attacks. A panic event may be triggered by an especially stressful situation, or it may occur for no particular reason. These events usually last for several minutes. Some individuals deal with these events on a regular basis—sometimes daily or even weekly. Because of the constant fear of having another panic attack, individuals with panic disorder are often extremely uncomfortable in social situations. As a result, as many as 50% of all individuals with panic disorder also have agoraphobia. [ Read More ]

External Resources

Panic attack sufferers - Live Journal site where those suffering from anziety disorders can join and post.

Mood Shifts - Books on mental health issues, stories, resources and workbooks. Manic depression, bipolar disorder, depression, ECT, panic attacks, eating disorders, and other mental health subjects.

Lifeline Anxiety Disorder Newsletter Book Store - Books reviewed by Lifeline, a newsletter for people - and families of people - who suffer from the panic brought about by fears, anxieties and phobias.

Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks and Treatment Options - Descriptions of various anxiety and panic disorders, and treatment options with analysis of their effectiveness.

Fear from Nowhere - Information on Lori' book about anxiety and panic disorder in young children.

Overcoming Anxiety and Panic - How to triumph over panic disorder and get your life back.

Freedom from Agoraphobia - A practical, medication-independent program on CD-ROM and book for the treatment of agoraphobia, anxiety disorder, and panic attacks.

The Lifeline Anxiety Disorder Blog - The blog page of a newsletter for people with agoraphobia, panic disorder, social phobia and other anxiety disorders.

Overcoming Mindblocks - Mind Blocks therapy was developed by Dr. Henry Petree for people who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and anxiety disorders.

tAPir News - Up to date news on anxiety and panic disorders plus other like illnesses.

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