Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is diagnosed when a person an has an unexpected panic attack followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having another one.
A panic attack is different from a state of high anxiety. A panic attack is defined as a distinct period of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within ten minutes, in which four or more of the following symptoms develop abruptly:
As a result of the above intense bodily sensations sufferers frequently believe they have some kind of medical problem. They usually go to their doctor or the emergency room where, after evaluation, they're told, "It's just anxiety." This can be reassuring for some; for others, since the experience was so intense and frightening, it feels like an overly casual dismissal. These individuals become very preoccupied with the possibility of a recurrence. The pattern of avoidance that often results is called Agoraphobia.
A panic attack is different from a state of high anxiety. A panic attack is defined as a distinct period of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within ten minutes, in which four or more of the following symptoms develop abruptly:
- Rapid heart rate, pounding heart or palpitations
- Sweating
- Sensations of shortness of breath, or smothering
- Feeling of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- Feelings of unreality (derealization)
- Feeling as if detached from one's self (depersonalization)
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Chills or hot flashes
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Fear of dying
As a result of the above intense bodily sensations sufferers frequently believe they have some kind of medical problem. They usually go to their doctor or the emergency room where, after evaluation, they're told, "It's just anxiety." This can be reassuring for some; for others, since the experience was so intense and frightening, it feels like an overly casual dismissal. These individuals become very preoccupied with the possibility of a recurrence. The pattern of avoidance that often results is called Agoraphobia.