Panic Disorder

Panic disorder occurs when you experience recurring unexpected panic attacks. The DSM-5 defines panic attacks as abrupt surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. People with the disorder live in fear of having a panic attack.

Symptoms

Common symptoms associated with a panic attack include:

• racing heartbeat or palpitations
• shortness of breath
• feeling like you are choking
• dizziness (vertigo)
• lightheadedness
• nausea
• sweating or chills
• shaking or trembling
• changes in mental state, including a feeling of derealization (feeling of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• chest pain or tightness
• fear that you might die

Treatments

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on reducing or eliminating your symptoms. This is achieved through therapy with a qualified professional and in some cases, medication. Therapy typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and actions so that you can understand your attacks and manage your fear.

Medications used to treat panic disorder can include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressant. SSRIs prescribed for panic disorder may include:

• fluoxetine
• paroxetine
• sertraline

Other medications sometimes used to treat panic disorder include:

• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), another class of antidepressant
• antiseizure drugs
• benzodiazepines (commonly used as tranquilizers), including diazepam or clonazepam
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), another type of antidepressant that is used infrequently because of rare but serious side effects

In addition to these treatments, there are a number of steps that you can take at home to reduce your symptoms. Examples include:

• maintaining a regular schedule
• exercising on a regular basis
• getting enough sleep
• avoiding the use of stimulants such as caffeine