| Panic Disorder |
|
 |
Understanding
Panic Disorder
Anxiety and worry are normal parts of life. Panic Disorder is a condition that may last from several months to years. It can vary in intensity throughout a person’s life and can interfere with their enjoyment of everyday activities.
Panic Disorder is characterised by both recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and by at least 1 month of persistent concern about having another panic attack. Panic Disorder occurs in one of two forms:
- With agoraphobia (anxiety about being in a specific place/situation or where a panic attack might occur)
- Without agoraphobia (panic attacks not necessarily linked to specific places or situations)
A panic attack produces sudden onset of intensely uncomfortable and/or frightening emotional and physical symptoms. Typically, the attack is distinguished by a rapid onset and development – often the peak discomfort in a panic attack is reached in 10 minutes or less. In addition, attacks tend to be intermittent and to vary in intensity.
A panic attack is defined as a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort in the absence of real danger, in which specific symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak (usually within 10 minutes).
|
