Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder?

It can strike without warning – a sudden and intense rush of terror with powerful symptoms like a racing heart, chest pain, trouble breathing, stomach upset, dizziness and feeling out of control or unsafe. You’re having a panic attack – and if it’s your first, you may even mistake it for a heart attack.

Some people have just one or two panic attacks. But if you have repeated attacks, worry about them frequently and go out of your way to avoid them, you could have panic disorder – a type of anxiety disorder.

What is the Difference Between Panic Disorder and Panic Attack?

Panic attacks are common – one in 10 American adults has them every year, and about a third of adults will have one in their lifetime.

Panic disorder is more unusual. Only about 3% of adults have the condition, and it affects more women than men. If you’ve had at least two panic attacks, discuss them with your Mercy doctor or a Mercy behavioral health provider. 

Panic Disorder Causes & Risk Factors

While the exact causes of panic disorder are unknown, several risk factors may play a role in panic disorder. 

Symptoms of a Panic Disorder

People who have panic attacks don’t necessarily have panic disorder. Symptoms of a panic disorder include frequent and unexpected attacks with four or more of signs, including: