Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent fear of future attacks, defined per DSM-5-TR.
Symptoms
Sudden surges of intense fear peaking within minutes, with symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a fear of losing control or dying.
Causes and risk
A mix of genetic predisposition, heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, and stressful life events; panic disorder commonly co-occurs with agoraphobia.
How it is evaluated
Diagnosis is clinical per DSM-5-TR criteria; ruling out cardiac and other medical mimics is an important first step given symptom overlap, per JAMA review guidance.
Treatment
SSRIs/SNRIs and CBT are first-line per AAFP guidance; benzodiazepines carry dependence risk and are not recommended for routine use, per Cochrane review data.
When to seek care
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that could signal a cardiac event should be evaluated urgently to rule out a medical cause before assuming it's panic. Thoughts of self-harm warrant immediate crisis support.