Panic disorder is diagnosed in people who experience spontaneous seemingly unexpected panic attacks and are very preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack. Panic attacks are abrupt and occur unexpectedly, sometimes even when waking up from sleep. You may experience panic attacks when you feel sudden, overwhelming terror that has no obvious cause. Panic disorder can interfere a lot with daily life, causing people to miss work, go to many doctor visits, and avoid situations where they fear they might experience a panic attack.
Symptoms:
• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
• Feelings of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
• Chills or heat sensations
• Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations)
• Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
• Fear of losing control fear of dying