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Panic Disorder Effects

Most people experience periods of anxiety at some point, but when anxiety impairs an individual's ability to function, it is classified as a mental illness. Panic disorder is one of the ways in which clinically significant anxiety can manifest.

  1. Features

    • Individuals with panic disorder may experience bouts of sudden, intense dread that cause shortness of breath, dizziness and can even produce symptoms severe enough to mimic a heart attack.

    Significance

    • Panic disorder can be very debilitating. Sufferers may experience difficulty in social and work situations. Some develop related disorders, such as agoraphobia, preventing them from carrying out everyday activities like shopping and driving.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Panic attacks may have a biological origin, though research suggests that they may be the result of a hypersensitive "fight or flight" response to external stimuli that actually present no threat.

    Treatment

    • Antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications may be used to treat panic disorder. Psychotherapists can teach individuals how to better recognize and deal with panic attacks and manage their symptoms.

    Famous Ties

    • Actresses Kim Basinger and Drew Barrymore and American Idol finalist Clay Aiken are just a few of the celebrities who have admitted to suffering from panic disorder.

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