Panic disorder is considered a type of anxiety disorder that affects between 1% and 3% of the population. According to Drs. Ciechanowski and Katon, writing in the medical database UpToDate, it is generally considered a chronic and recurrent disorder and occurs more commonly in women and in men. It includes panic attacks--discrete episodes of fear or discomfort that begin without warning and then subside--and concern, worry or behavior changes related to the possibility of future attacks. The official diagnosis requires the presence of at least four out of thirteen panic attack symptoms.
Heart-Related Symptoms
A sensation of a fast heartbeat--palpitations--and a pounding heart are potential symptoms of a panic attack. Chest pain or discomfort may also occur during a panic attack.
Breathing-Related Symptoms
A person in the midst of a panic attack may feel short of breath or choking. She may experience a sensation of being smothered. These feelings come on abruptly, without warning, and peak within a few minutes. They generally subside within an hour. According to Dr. Shelton, writing in the medical textbook, "Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Psychiatry", most panic attack symptoms do not last more than half an hour.
Temperature-Related Symptoms
A panic attack may manifest itself with symptoms of chills or the opposite extreme, hot flashes. Sweating may also occur during a panic attack episode.
Nerve- and Muscle-Related Symptoms
Shaking, trembling, and dizziness may all occur during a panic attack that is part of a panic disorder. Other symptoms include feeling faint or about to pass out, lightheaded or just unsteady may also during a panic episode. In addition, a person may have some tingling or numbness sensations in the arms or legs-- called paresthesias and may accompany a panic attack.
Mind-Related Symptoms
Perhaps oneof the scariest aspects of a panic attack is the altered perception that a person has for the few minutes that an attack occurs. A person in the middle of a panic attack may have sense that nothing around her--including herself--is there. This is called derealization or depersonalization. In addition, it is not uncommon for a person experiencing a panic attack to genuinely feel as though she is about to die. Finally, the very understandable fear of losing control or going "crazy" remains also a common perception while suffering through a panic attack.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
A person having an attack of panic may feel nauseous or simply feel abdominal pain and discomfort. As with the other symptoms of panic attack, the feelings come on suddenly, peak within a few minutes and then subside.
References
- "CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry"; Michael H. Ebert et. al.; 2008
- "UpToDate"; Denise S. Basow: 2010
