What is panic disorder?

If you suffer from panic disorder you will suddenly have attacks where you are anxious and panic-stricken. The symptoms are both physical and psychological. You may think you:

• Are going mad
• Are dying
• Are losing control
• Are having a stroke
• Are having a heart attack
• Are going to collapse

You will suffer physical symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Chest pain
• A pounding heart
• Sweating
• Trembling hands
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Legs feel like “jelly”

A panic attack may come out of the blue and usually lasts for a few minutes. Once it is over, you will be exhausted, but the symptoms of anxiety will have passed.

If you have many attacks, or severe attacks, you may get nervous about having another. You may also develop the symptoms of anxiety between attacks. Many people gradually develop agoraphobia and avoid the situation where their panic occurs.

Panic attacks can be treated effectively with medication and cognitive behavioural therapy.