Panic Disorder Definition and Symptom Examples

Panic Disorder Definition and Symptom Examples Panic Disorder Print Symptoms, Impact, and Treatment of Panic Disorder Some of the symptoms, statistics, and treatments related to panic disorder By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on May 22, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 18, 2019 Jamie Grill/Getty Images More in Panic Disorder Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Coping Related Conditions Fear and anxiety can be normal reactions to specific situations and stressful events. Panic disorder differs from this normal fear and anxiety because it is often extreme, and may seem to strike out of the blue. What exactly is panic disorder? According to  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by extreme and frequent panic attacks. A person with panic disorder may experience symptoms such as severe feelings of terror, rapid breathing,  and rapid heart rate. People with panic disorder may experience these attacks unexpectedly and for no apparent reason, but they can also be preceded by some sort of triggering event or situation. Symptoms of Panic Disorder Many people suffering from panic disorder describe feeling as if they are having a heart attack or on the verge of dying, and experience the following symptoms:Feelings of extreme terror that occur suddenly without warningPounding heartSweatingTremblingNumbness in the hands and feetDizzinessWeaknessChest painRapid breathing How to Tell If Panicky Symptoms Are a Sign of Disorder The Impact of Panic Disorder The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that approximately 2.7% of the adult U.S. population experiences panic disorder each year. Approximately 44.8% of these individuals experience cases of panic disorder that are classified as severe. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of American, nearly six million American adults experience the symptoms of panic disorder during any given year. While panic disorder can strike at any point in life, it most often begins during late adolescence or early adulthood and affects twice and many women as it does men. Panic disorder can lead to serious disruptions in daily functioning and make it difficult to cope with normal, everyday situations that may trigger feelings of intense panic and anxiety. In some cases, people with panic disorder may even begin avoiding certain situations, places, or people in order to minimize the chances of experiencing panic attacks. For example, an individual who has experienced a panic episode in a crowded shopping center may begin avoiding similar situations in order to prevent triggering panic symptoms. Because panic disorder often leads to individuals avoiding certain situations or objects, it can also lead to  phobias. For example, a person suffering from panic disorder might stop leaving home in order to prevent having an attack or losing control in public. In time, this person might develop agoraphobia, a marked fear of being in a variety of situations outside of the home in which escape might be difficult or help might not be available if debilitating symptoms develop. While previous versions of the DSM categorized panic disorder and occurring with or without agoraphobia, the newest edition of the diagnostic manual lists the two as distinct and separate disorders. Does Avoidance Lead to Agoraphobia? Panic Disorder Treatment Panic disorder, like other anxiety disorders, is often treated with psychotherapy, medication (antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs), or a combination of both. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one treatment approach that can help people with panic disorder learn new ways of thinking and reacting to anxiety-provoking situations. As part of the CBT process, therapists help clients identify and challenge negative or unhelpful patterns of thinking and replace these thoughts with more realistic and helpful ways of thinking. Exposure therapy is another approach that is often used in the treatment of anxiety disorders including panic disorder. This technique involves progressive exposure to the objects and situations that trigger a fear response. People experiencing panic disorder symptoms are exposed to fear-triggering situations in conjunction with learning and practicing new relaxation strategies. Top Treatments for Panic Disorder