EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH
Panic disorder?
Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by sudden and unexpected panic attacks, which are episodes of intense fear that come on quickly and reach their peak within minutes.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How a panic disorder might show up
If you experience frequent and regular panic attacks, that might be a sign of a panic disorder. Different biological and psychological factors can contribute to panic disorder, and individuals may be at higher risk of developing panic disorder because of trauma, stress, or preexisting mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Panic attacks can mimic a heart attack with physical symptoms that include heart pounding, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain. They may cause severe anxiety or fear of having another panic attack, and people may isolate from any triggers that cause panic attacks.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Panic disorder is a highly treatable mental health condition. The most common types of treatment are therapy and medication management, or a combination of both.
Therapy can help identify thoughts and behaviors that contribute to panic attacks and develop coping mechanisms to manage them. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications that assist in regulating brain chemicals can also be helpful in treating panic disorder.
Treatment can be individualized to address a person’s specific needs and preferences.
Frequently asked questions about panic disorder
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There are differences between a panic attack and an anxiety attack. Panic attacks are a specific type of anxiety attack, but not all anxiety attacks are panic attacks. Panic attacks are typically more sudden and can peak faster, and more of the physical symptoms are associated with panic attacks than an anxiety attack. Individuals experiencing a panic attack may feel more loss of control or intense fear/terror.
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Stay calm and ask if they need help and if you can assist them with any coping skills such as focusing on breathing and grounding techniques (talking about things in the present moment like what they can see, hear, feel, touch, etc.). If the panic attack is severe and isn’t subsiding, it may be necessary to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.