What is "panic disorder"

n. An anxiety disorder involving severe recurring anxiety attacks.

n. an anxiety disorder characterized by unpredictable panic attacks; the attacks are usually severe but brief

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring panic attacks, causing a series of intense episodes of extreme anxiety during panic attacks. It may also include significant behavioral changes, and ongoing worries about having other attacks. The latter are called anticipatory attacks (DSM-IVR). According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, panic disorder usually begins during adolescence and can be hereditary. Over 3 million Americans experience panic disorder during their lifetime.

Panic disorder is not the same as agoraphobia (fear of public places), although many afflicted with panic disorder also suffer from agoraphobia. Panic attacks cannot be predicted, therefore an individual may become stressed, anxious or worried wondering when the next panic attack will occur. Panic disorder may be differentiated as a medical condition. The DSM-IV-TR describes panic disorder and anxiety differently. Whereas anxiety is preceded by chronic stressors which build to reactions of moderate intensity that can last for days, weeks or months, panic attacks are acute events triggered by a sudden, out-of-the-blue cause: duration is short and symptoms are more intense. Panic attacks can occur in children, as well as adults. Panic in young people may be particularly distressing because children tend to have less insight about what is happening, and parents are also likely to experience distress when attacks occur.

Screening tools like Patient Health Questionnaire can be used to detect possible cases of the disorder, and suggest the need for a formal diagnostic assessment.

Panic disorder is a disabling disorder, but can be controlled and successfully treated. Because of the symptoms that accompany panic disorder, it is often mistaken for a physical illness, such as a heart attack. People frequently go to hospital emergency rooms during a panic attack, and extensive medical tests may be performed to rule out other conditions, thus creating further anxiety. Panic attacks are currently classified into three types: unexpected, situationally bounded, and situationally predisposed. Panic disorder affects about 2.3% of people at some point in their life.