Panic attacks; Anxiety attacks; Fear attacks; Anxiety disorder - panic attacks DefinitionPanic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which you have repeated attacks of intense fear that something bad will happen. CausesThe cause is unknown. Genes may play a role. Other family members may have the disorder. But panic disorder often occurs when there is no family history. Panic disorder is twice as common in women as it is in men. Symptoms often begin before age 25 but may first occur in the mid-30s. Children can also have panic disorder, but it is often not diagnosed until they are older. SymptomsA panic attack begins suddenly and most often peaks within 10 to 20 minutes. Some symptoms continue for an hour or more. A panic attack may be mistaken for a heart attack. A person with panic disorder often lives in fear of another attack, and may be afraid to be alone or far from medical help. People with panic disorder have at least 4 of the following symptoms during an attack:
Panic attacks may change behavior and function at home, school, or work. People with the disorder often worry about the effects of their panic attacks. People with panic disorder may misuse alcohol or other substances. They may feel sad or depressed. Panic attacks cannot be predicted. At least in the early stages of the disorder, there is no trigger that starts the attack. Recalling a past attack may trigger panic attacks. Exams and TestsMany people with panic disorder first seek treatment at the emergency room. This is because the panic attack often feels like a heart attack. Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and a mental health assessment. Blood tests may be done. Other medical disorders must be ruled out before panic disorder can be diagnosed. Disorders related to substance use will be considered because symptoms can resemble panic attacks. TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to help you function well during everyday life. Using both medicines and talk therapy works best. Talk therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) can help you understand panic attacks and how to cope with them. During therapy, you will learn how to:
Certain medicines, often also used to treat depression, may be very helpful for this disorder. They work by preventing your symptoms or making them less severe. You must take these medicines every day. Do not stop taking them without talking with your provider.
Other medicines used to treat depression or medicines used to treat seizures may also be tried. Medicines called sedatives or hypnotics may also be prescribed.
The following may also help reduce the number or severity of panic attacks:
Support GroupsYou can ease the stress of having panic disorder by joining a support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. Support groups are usually not a good substitute for talk therapy or taking medicine, but can be a helpful addition.
Outlook (Prognosis)Panic disorders may be long-lasting and hard to treat. Some people with this disorder may not be cured. But most people get better when treated correctly. People with panic disorder are more likely to:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider for an appointment if panic attacks are interfering with your work, relationships, or self-esteem. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night. You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay. If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help. PreventionIf you get panic attacks, avoid the following:
These substances may trigger or worsen the symptoms. ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association website. Anxiety disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022. Gehl C, Paulsen JS. Behavior and personality disturbances. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 9. Lyness JM, Lee HB. Psychiatric disorders in medical practice. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 362. National Institute of Mental Health website. Anxiety disorders. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders. Updated April 2024. Accessed May 21, 2024. | |
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Review Date: 5/4/2024 Reviewed By: Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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