Panic Disorder & Panic Attacks

A panic attack is an episode of overwhelming fear, often accompanied by shakiness, elevated heart rate, and chest pain. These symptoms can create additional fears in the individual suffering from a panic attack, such as a fear of “going crazy”, or that they are experiencing another kind of health crisis. Panic attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour; in severe circumstances, immediate medical attention is required to assist an individual experiencing these symptoms.

Panic attacks themselves are not a mental illness. Rather, panic attacks that result from a known trigger are often associated with phobias or other anxiety disorders. For more information, consult our page on Anxiety Disorders.

Panic attacks usually occur as single, isolated incidents involving a fearful situation or event. However, those with Panic Disorder experience these episodes unexpectedly, and without clear reason. Individuals who suffer from Panic Disorder can even experience them during sleep, causing them to awaken suddenly in the middle of the night. 

With no clear cause of the attacks, those who suffer from panic disorders can become greatly distressed, increasing anxiety and concern. This can lead to avoidance behaviors that cause an individual with Panic Disorder to withdraw, for fear of triggering an episode. Both the attacks and avoidance behaviors can make life very difficult for those affected by the disorder.