Panic Disorders
Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated
episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may
include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath,
dizziness, or abdominal distress. These sensations often mimic
symptoms of a heart attack or other life-threatening medical
conditions. As a result, the diagnosis of panic disorder is
frequently not made until extensive and costly medical procedures
fail to provide a correct diagnosis or relief.
Many people with panic disorder develop intense anxiety between
episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike.
Fortunately, through research supported by the National Institute
of Mental Health (NIMH), effective treatments have been developed
to help people with panic disorder.
How Common Is Panic Disorder?
What Causes Panic Disorder?
Heredity, other biological factors, stressful life events, and
thinking in a way that exaggerates relatively normal bodily
reactions in catastrophic events are all believed to play a role in
the onset of panic disorder. Some research suggests panic attacks
occur when a "suffocation alarm mechanism" in the brain erroneously
fires, falsely reporting that death is imminent. The exact cause or
causes of panic disorder are unknown and are the subject of intense
scientific investigation.
What Treatments Are Available for Panic Disorder?
Treatment for panic disorder includes medications and a type of
psychotherapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches
people how to view panic attacks differently and demonstrates ways
to reduce anxiety. NIMH is conducting a large-scale study to
evaluate the effectiveness of combining these treatments.
Appropriate treatment by an experienced professional can reduce or
prevent panic attacks in 70% to 90% of people with panic disorder.
Most patients show significant progress after a few weeks of
therapy. Relapses may occur, but they can often be effectively
treated just like the initial episode.
Can People with Panic Disorder Also Have Other Physical and
Emotional Illnesses?
Research shows that panic disorder can coexist with other
disorders, most often depression and substance abuse. About 30% of
people with panic disorder use alcohol and 17% use drugs, such as
cocaine and marijuana, in unsuccessful attempts to alleviate the
anguish and distress caused by their condition. Appropriate
diagnosis and treatment of other disorders such as substance abuse
or depression are important to successfully treat of panic
disorder. Approximately 20% of people with panic disorder attempt
suicide.
It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop
phobias about places or situations where panic attacks have
occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations. As
the frequency of panic attacks increases, the person often begins
to avoid situations where they fear another attack may occur or
where help would not be immediately available. This avoidance may
eventually develop into agoraphobia, an inability to go beyond
known and safe surroundings because of intense fear and
anxiety.
People with panic disorder may also have irritable bowel
syndrome, characterized by intermittent bouts of gastrointestinal
cramps and diarrhea or constipation, or a relatively minor heart
problem called mitral valve prolapse. In fact, panic disorder often
coexists with unexplained medical problems such as chest pain not
associated with a heart attack or chronic fatigue.
The content of this fact sheet was adapted from material
published by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Additional Resources
For additional resources, please call 1-800-969-NMHA.
Other Resources: National Institute of Mental Health
1-866-615-6464 NIMH Information Center
1-888-826-9438 Order NIMH Publications
NMHA's Campaign for America's Mental Health works to raise
awareness that mental illnesses are common, real and treatable
illnesses and ensure that those most at-risk receive proper, timely
and effective treatment. Click here for more information.
The Campaign is made possible through unrestricted educational
grants from the following corporations:
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Campaign Sponsors - Abbott Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb
Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Eli Lilly and Company,
Forest Laboratories, Inc., Organon Inc., Pfizer Inc, and
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