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Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

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Definition

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes repeated, unexpected attacks of intense fear. These attacks may last from minutes to hours.

Symptoms

With panic disorder, at least four of the following symptoms suddenly occur within 10 minutes. Attacks may be followed by at least 1 month of persistent fear of having another attack.

Chest pain or discomfort
Dizziness or faintness
Fear of dying
Fear of losing control
Feeling of choking
Feelings of detachment
Feelings of unreality
Nausea or upset stomach
Numbness or tingling
Palpitations or pounding heart
Sensation of shortness of breath
Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
Trembling or shaking

There are often extreme changes in behavior at home, school, work, or with family. People with the disorder often worry about the significance of their panic attacks. They may think they are "going crazy" or having a heart attack.

A person with panic disorder often lives in fear of another attack and may be afraid to be alone or to be far from medical help.

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Anxiety
Stress can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or anxious. What is stressful to one person is not necessarily stressful to another. Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fear. The source of this uneasiness i... More »
ADAM

Panic Attacks
Panic attacks, the hallmark of panic disorder , are discrete episodes of intense anxiety. Panic attacks can also be experienced by people with specific phobia, social phobia , or by people who have used or consumed certain substances, such as coca... More »
Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders

Palpitations
Palpitations are heartbeat sensations that feel like your heart is pounding or racing. You may simply have an unpleasant awareness of your own heartbeat, or may feel skipped or stopped beats. The heart's rhythm may be normal or abnormal. Palpitati... More »
ADAM

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Anxiety disorders in youth tied to heart risks later

Jun 21, 2010 - Reuters

S.Korea warns against panic-buying of iodide pills

Mar 16, 2011 - AFP

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