Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that involves having panic attacks that seem to occur “out of the blue”. Panic attacks can include a number of physical symptoms, including:
- racing heart
- difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- sweating
- trembling, shaking
- feelings of dizziness, depersonalization, or unreality
- stomach problems (e.g., nausea, diarrhea)
- hot or cold flushes
People with panic disorder are afraid of panic attacks, as they fear that the attacks are a sign that they are having a heart attack, a stroke, going crazy, or that they might somehow lose control and embarrass themselves.
Because of this, people with panic disorder are extremely anxious about having more panic attacks, and will often experience agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is a fear and avoidance of situations or places where escape might be difficult. Typical avoided places for people with panic disorder include:
- driving or riding in a car
- crowded places (malls, supermarkets)
- elevators
- public transportation (e.g., bus)
- being far away from home
- being alone
- taking a plane
Many people will have a panic attack at some point in their lives, but not everyone develops panic disorder. Individuals can have a panic attack as a result of stress or fatigue, or in response to a fearful situation. For example, a student who stays up all night studying for an exam might have a panic attack on the way to school, or someone with a phobia of dogs might have a panic attack if they suddenly see a dog while walking on the street. However, the important difference between having panic attacks and developing panic disorder is that people with panic disorder are afraid of the panic attack itself. The student going to the exam is afraid of the exam, and the person with a phobia of dogs is afraid of the dog; neither is likely to be afraid of the panic attack.
