What is it?

Panic disorder is an anxiety based disorder in which the individual has sudden, recurrent feelings of terror that strike with no warning. It strikes at least 1.6% of the population and it can appear at any age, from childhood through the elderly. These episodes are called panic attacks. A panic attack is mainly characterized by periods of intense fear or discomfort. It has a sudden onset that gradually builds to the most intense point of the attack within approximately 10 minutes. During a panic attack the individual reports feelings of intense doom or a sense of pending danger or disaster. People experiencing these attacks will try to flee from the place where the attack is occurring. They also report that the feelings are so intense that they were fearful that they may lose control, have a heart attack, go "crazy" or even die. It is important to realize that each individual experiences these symptoms at varying levels.

What causes it?

The incidence of all anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder, is considerably higher among blood relatives of individuals with clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders than the general population. In fact, with Panic Disorder, first-degree biological relatives of individuals diagnosed with Panic Disorder have a four to seven times greater chance of developing this disorder, according to the DSM IV. Twin studies also indicate that there is a genetic component included in the development of this disorder.

What are the symptoms?

Although the symptoms vary in each individual, some of the most common symptoms include:
• Shortness of breath
• Terror
• A feeling of being out of control

• Fear of dying
• Pounding or racing heart
• Nausea or stomach problems

• Dizziness
• Sweating and/or shaking

What are the treatment options?

Current treatment options for panic include medication management to ease the intense symptoms associated with the panic attacks and the constant fear of when the next attack will strike, which creates even more anxiety. Several medications are available on the market to assist the individuals suffering from this disorder. New medications are currently being explored for increased effectiveness. In addition to medication management, psychotherapy may be necessary to assist individuals in coping with these symptoms. The most common form of psychotherapy for panic is called cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy teaches the individual how to view the panic situations differently and then how to learn new ways to reduce the anxiety and fear associated with it. Some people prefer a combination of both medications and psychotherapy. It is important for you to discuss with a mental health professional what will be best for you in your situation.