Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and
repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may
include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or
abdominal distress.
Signs & Symptoms
People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and
repeatedly with no warning. During a panic attack, most likely your heart will
pound and you may feel sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. Your hands may tingle or
feel numb, and you might feel flushed or chilled. You may have nausea, chest
pain or smothering sensations, a sense of unreality, or fear of impending doom
or loss of control.
Treatment
Effective treatments for panic disorder are available, and research is
yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with panic disorder
and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Getting Help: Locate Services
Locate mental health services in your area, affordable healthcare, NIMH
clinical trials, and listings of professionals and organizations.
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Related Information
- Information about medications
- Panic Disorder Information and Organizations from NLM‘s MedlinePlus (en Español)
- Some mental illnesses also carry an increased risk for suicide.
