A panic attack can be extremely distressing and frightening. In a panic attack, strong physical sensations come on unexpectedly, including (but not always) a racing or fluttering heartbeat, chest pain, feeling extremely hot, shaky, tingly, sick, faint, dizzy or disconnected, needing to go to the toilet, shortness of breath, dry mouth, or a feeling of dread. Panic attacks do not cause any physical harm.
Panic disorder is diagnosed based on the frequency of panic attacks, and the impact of the panic attacks or the fear of having them. In panic disorder, the problem has started to affect daily life, including significant changes to avoid having panic attacks, such as staying at home or avoiding crowded places or public transport. Avoiding places or focusing on the physical sensations can sometimes lead to noticing the sensations more, which keeps the problem going.
Panic disorder is estimated to affect 1.7% of the population, with a much larger number of people affected by panic attacks. People experiencing panic attacks are often unable to work and experience high levels of impairment in their daily lives.
Panic disorder is sometimes accompanied by Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is a fear of being trapped or not being able to escape situations, or that help would not be available if needed. This can lead to avoidance of being in crowded places, using public transport or at its worst, people can become extremely isolated and never leave their home, or can only do so if accompanied.
Agoraphobia can often trigger many of the physiological symptoms associated with panic or can lead to panic attacks when the feeling of being trapped is activated.
