Panic disorder is a chronic, devastating condition with an important biochemical component that can severely restrict and even dominate the sufferer's life. The hallmark of panic disorder is the recurrent, unexpected panic attack. People with panic disorder may experience panic attacks as frequently as once or more a week.
- During a panic attack, the sufferer experiences extreme fear accompanied by highly disruptive physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating or chills, and feelings of hopelessness or loss of control. Sufferers may even believe they are in imminent danger of dying.
- Diagnostic features of panic disorder include multiple, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by one or more of the following:
- persistent concern about having another attack
- worry about the possible implications or consequences of the panic attacks
- significant behavioral changes related to the attacks
- Panic disorder will affect 3 to 6 million Americans at some point in their lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, only one out of three panic disorder sufferers is correctly diagnosed and treated.
- More than twice as many women as men have panic disorder. The most common age of onset is the late teens and early twenties, but panic disorder is found in people of all ages.
- As many as 60% of people with panic disorder will develop agoraphobia, or fear of places or situations from which escape can be difficult or embarrassing. Many are unable to hold a job or to perform everyday tasks such as driving or shopping.
- As many as 65% of patients with panic disorder will also suffer from major depression. Generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide are also commonly reported in people with panic disorder.
- Researchers now believe the neurotransmitter serotonin may play an integral role in the development of panic disorder, as well as in the development of depression.
