Panic disorder is defined as:
A type of anxiety disorder in which you have repeated attacks of intense fear that something bad will happen.
Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated panic attack and the fear of having another one. With Panic disorder you may also have a fear of having a anxiety attack in public or where help is limited. This is called agoraphobia. With agoraphobia, you are likely to avoid any public places such as shopping malls.
What are panic (anxiety) attacks?
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, developing suddenly. Panic attacks most commonly last from 10-30 minutes, but may continue for hours in some cases. Panic attacks are not dangerous and should not cause any physical harm. Panic attacks mostly occur frequently in women and often in people with above average intelligence.
Symptoms of a panic attack:
•Shortness of breath; hyperventilation
•Heart palpitations; racing heart
•Chest pain or discomfort
•Trembling; shaking
•Choking feeling
•Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings
•Chills or hot flushes
•Fear of losing control
•Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
•abdominal distress
•Palpitations
•Paresthesias (abnormal sensation; tingling)
•Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
•Sense of impending doom
•Sweating