Panic Disorder
The hallmark of panic disorder is the occurrence of spontaneous panic attacks, which are sudden waves of intense fear and apprehension. These feelings are accompanied by physical symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, choking sensations, or sweating. The problem sometimes starts with sporadic, isolated attacks around the time of puberty. Over time, the attacks may gradually become more frequent, and those affected may grow increasingly worried about when and where the next attack will occur or what the consequences might be. Some may worry that they’ll “lose their mind” or have a heart attack. However, this transition to full-blown panic disorder usually doesn’t occur until late adolescence or early adulthood.
In adults, panic disorder is often associated with agoraphobia. The word “agoraphobia” literally means “fear of the marketplace.” However, the term has taken on a broader meaning: fear of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or in which help might not be available in the event of a panic attack. The fear typically extends across a wide swath of situations. In severe cases, the person becomes fearful of all situations in which they are outside their home alone or caught in a crowd. The intense anxiety aroused by these situations makes people want to avoid them. Some people force themselves to face the dreaded situations, but only at the expense great distress. Others become virtually housebound.
The hallmark of panic disorder is the occurrence of spontaneous panic attacks, which are sudden waves of intense fear and apprehension. These feelings are accompanied by physical symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, choking sensations, or sweating. The problem sometimes starts with sporadic, isolated attacks around the time of puberty. Over time, the attacks may gradually become more frequent, and those affected may grow increasingly worried about when and where the next attack will occur or what the consequences might be. Some may worry that they’ll “lose their mind” or have a heart attack. However, this transition to full-blown panic disorder usually doesn’t occur until late adolescence or early adulthood.
In adults, panic disorder is often associated with agoraphobia. The word “agoraphobia” literally means “fear of the marketplace.” However, the term has taken on a broader meaning: fear of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or in which help might not be available in the event of a panic attack. The fear typically extends across a wide swath of situations. In severe cases, the person becomes fearful of all situations in which they are outside their home alone or caught in a crowd. The intense anxiety aroused by these situations makes people want to avoid them. Some people force themselves to face the dreaded situations, but only at the expense great distress. Others become virtually housebound.
