Introduction of panic disorder

Panic disorder is where you have recurring and regular panic attacks, often for no obvious reason.

Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times during their lifetime. It is a perfectly natural response, particularly when you are in a dangerous or stressful situation. However, for people with panic disorder, feelings of anxiety, stress and panic occur regularly and at any time.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease. The feeling of unease can range from mild to severe, and can include feelings of worry and fear.
 
There are several different conditions that can cause severe anxiety. They include:

• phobias: an extreme or irrational fear of an animal, object, place or situation
• generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): a long-term condition that causes excessive anxiety and worry relating to a variety of situations
• post-traumatic stress disorder: a condition that has psychological and physical symptoms and is caused by very frightening or distressing events

Panic attacks

A panic attack occurs when your body experiences a rush of intense psychological (mental) and physical symptoms.

You may feel an overwhelming sense of fear, apprehension and anxiety. As well as these feelings, you may also experience physical symptoms such as:

• nausea
• sweating
• trembling
• a sensation that your heart is beating irregularly (palpitations)

The number of panic attacks that you have will depend on the severity of your condition. Some people may have one or two attacks each month, while others may have several attacks a week.

Read more about the symptoms of panic disorder.

Panic attacks can be very frightening and intense, but they are not dangerous. A panic attack will not cause you any physical harm and it is unlikely that you will be admitted to hospital if you have had a panic attack.

What to do

If you have symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder, see your GP. A diagnosis of panic disorder will be made if you experience recurrent and unexpected panic attacks that are followed by at least one month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks.

Read more about the diagnosis of panic disorder.

How common is panic disorder?

At least one person in 10 experiences occasional panic attacks, which are usually triggered by a stressful event.

In the UK, approximately one person in 100 has panic disorder. Most people first develop the disorder when they are in their twenties. The condition is approximately twice as common in women as it is in men.

What causes it?

As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood. It is thought that panic disorder is probably caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors.

Read about the possible causes of panic disorder.

How is it treated?

The main aim of treatment for panic disorder is to reduce the number of panic attacks that you have and to help ease the severity of your symptoms. The two main types of treatment for panic disorder are psychological therapy and medication.

Find out more about the treatment of panic disorder and what you can do to help yourself during a panic attack.

If you have panic disorder, it may affect your ability to drive. It is your legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could have an impact on your driving ability. The Directgov website provides information about how to tell the DVLA about a medical condition.

Anxiety

Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling when you feel worried, uneasy or distressed about something that may or may not be about to happen.

Panic

To panic is to be overcome with a feeling of fear or worry.

Mental

Mental refers to the processes in the mind.

Nausea

Nausea is when you feel like you are going to be sick.

Heart

The heart is a muscular organ. Its function is to pump blood around the body.

Palpitations

Palpitations refer to an irregular heartbeat, or the sensation of skipped or extra heartbeats.