Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder 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. People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning.
What is panic disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and recurring episodes of intense fear. If you have panic disorder, you have likely experienced repeated intense feelings of terror that struck suddenly and without warning: panic attacks.
An estimated 2-5% of Americans experience panic disorder according to National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). The disorder tends to affect women twice as often as men and typically begins during late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can happen to anyone regardless of age.
It is important to note that if you have experienced a panic attack, this does not necessarily mean that you have or will develop panic disorder. Many people have experienced singular attacks without recurrence, and do not have panic disorder.
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