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Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest
pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal distress. These sensations often mimic symptoms of a heart attack or other
life-threatening medical conditions. As a result, the diagnosis of panic disorder is frequently not made until extensive and costly medical
procedures fail to provide a correct diagnosis or relief.
Many people with panic disorder develop intense anxiety between episodes. It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop phobias
about places or situations where panic attacks have occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations. As the frequency of panic
attacks increases, the person often begins to avoid situations where they fear another attack may occur or where help would not be immediately
available. This avoidance may eventually develop into agoraphobia, an inability to go beyond known and safe surroundings because of intense fear
and anxiety.
Fortunately, through research supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and by industry, effective treatments have been
developed to help people with panic disorder.
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