Panic disorder
An anxiety disorder marked by sudden, intense panic attacks.
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder defined by recurring, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that peak within minutes, often featuring palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a sense of impending doom. Beyond the attacks themselves, individuals typically experience persistent worry about having further episodes and may begin avoiding places or situations where attacks have previously occurred. The disorder affects approximately 2.5% of the population over a lifetime, with onset most common during adolescence or early adulthood, though it can occur at any age; it is less frequent in children and the elderly, and women are affected more often than men.
The exact cause remains unclear, but several factors are linked to its development, including stressful or traumatic life events, a family history of the disorder, and imbalances in neurotransmitters. Psychological models suggest that individuals who exaggerate normal bodily reactions—a trait known as anxiety sensitivity—are at higher risk. Adverse childhood experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, parental alcoholism, or separation and loss have also been identified as risk factors. Additionally, substance use disorders are frequently correlated; in one study, 39% of those with panic disorder reported recreational substance use, with most users beginning substance use before the onset of panic attacks.
Diagnosis requires ruling out other mental disorders, medical conditions like heart disease or hyperthyroidism, and drug use, often with the help of a screening questionnaire. Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy, which is effective for more than half of those treated, along with medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or beta blockers. However, up to 30% of people experience a recurrence after stopping treatment. Panic attacks themselves usually last about ten minutes, though they can range from one to five minutes or extend to twenty minutes or longer. Symptoms vary but may include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, trembling, chest pain, nausea, chills or hot flashes, vision problems, a sensation of choking, and a strong desire to escape the triggering situation. Nocturnal attacks are common, and some attacks appear unprovoked, while others are triggered by specific stimuli or sett
- field
- Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology
- known_for
- Recurring unexpected panic attacks, treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications
- prevalence
- Affects about 2.5% of people at some point in their lives
- typical_onset
- Adolescence or early adulthood
- gender_ratio
- Women are more likely than men to develop panic disorder
Lore & Background
Panic disorder involves a series of intense episodes of extreme anxiety during panic attacks, which typically last about ten minutes but can range from 1–5 minutes to twenty minutes to an hour, occasionally longer. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, perspiration, dizziness, dyspnea, trembling, uncontrollable fear such as fear of losing control or dying, hyperventilation, choking sensation, chest pain, nausea, numbness, chills or hot flashes, and a sense of altered reality. Nocturnal panic attacks are common, and some attacks appear unprovoked while others are triggered by specific stimuli or settings.
Reader's Guide
The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but factors include stressful or traumatic life events, having close family members with the disorder, and an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Psychological models highlight the role of adverse childhood experiences, such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, parental alcoholism, and parental separation. Substance use, including tobacco smoking, caffeine, and certain medications, is associated with increased risk or exacerbation of symptoms. Diagnosis involves ruling out other mental disorders, medical conditions like heart disease or hyperthyroidism, and drug use. Treatment typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), effective in more than half of people, and medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Following stopping treatment, up to 30% of people experience a recurrence.
Did You Know?
- Panic attacks can last as short as 1–5 minutes or up to an hour, and occasionally longer until helpful intervention is made.
- People with panic disorder often have a strong wish to escape from the situation that provoked the attack.
- Tobacco smoking, especially when started in adolescence or early adulthood, increases the risk of developing panic disorder.
- About 30% of people with panic disorder use alcohol and 17% use other psychoactive drugs.
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