What does panic disorder look like

Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.

Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life. But treatment can be very effective. Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at any time — when you're driving a car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. You may have occasional panic attacks, or they may occur frequently. Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within minutes.

You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides. One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one.

You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur. If you have panic attack symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Panic attacks, while intensely uncomfortable, are not dangerous.

But panic attacks are hard to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment. Panic attack symptoms can also resemble symptoms of other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, so it's important to get evaluated by your primary care provider if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms.

Panic attacks may come on suddenly and without warning at first, but over time, they're usually triggered by certain situations. For doctors to diagnose a panic attack, they look for at least four of the following signs: sweating, trembling, shortness of breath , a choking sensation, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of losing your mind, fear of dying, feeling hot or cold, numbness or tingling, a racing heart heart palpitations , and feeling unusually detached from yourself.

As Sideman says, his attack occurred in the early s, and few people seriously considered the possibility of a panic attack in a year-old man. So he went home thinking all would be fine, only to have another, more severe attack one week later. He recalled being terrified, and the response he chose was one that can actually make panic disorder worse: He started to avoid the situations where he had attacks.

He managed to find ways to build his business without leaving his home office. After he had a panic attack on a freeway, he decided to avoid driving on the freeway — a tough stand to take in Los Angeles.

He kept withdrawing from activities to try to avoid panic attacks , but that never solved the problem, he says, and after two and a half years, he realized the attacks were getting worse. Desperate for help, he reached out to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America , which sent him a list of therapists experienced in treating panic attacks and anxiety.

A healthy lifestyle can also help combat panic disorder. Make sure to get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet, and turn to family and friends who you trust for support. The Mental Health Treatment Locator section of the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator lists facilities providing mental health services to persons with mental illness.

For additional resources, visit www. Asking questions and providing information to your doctor or health care provider can improve your care. Talking with your doctor builds trust and leads to better results, quality, safety, and satisfaction. This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission from NIMH.

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American Psychiatric Association. National Institute of Mental Health. American Psychological Association. Panic — Self-help series of workbooks. Centre for Clinical Interventions. Panic attacks: what they are and what to do about them — Free course to help you manage panic. Open University. NAMI Helpline — Trained volunteers can provide information, referrals, and support for those suffering from anxiety disorders in the U. Call National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Find a Therapist — Search for anxiety disorder treatment providers in the U. Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Support Groups — List of support groups in the U. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Call: Anxiety UK.

Anxiety Canada — Provides links to services in different Canadian provinces. Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada. Call: 18