Fear and anxiety are normal reactions to stressful events in our lives. Panic disorder, however, is different. Panic disorder is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning, causing sudden attacks of fear and nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating and a racing heart. During a panic attack, the fear response is out of proportion for the situation, which often is non-threatening. Over time, the person develops a constant fear of having another attack, which can affect daily functioning and general quality of life.

Panic disorder often occurs along with other serious conditions, such as depression, alcoholism or drug abuse.

What Are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder?

Symptoms of a panic attack, which often last about 10 minutes, include:

• Difficulty breathing. 
• Pounding heart or chest pain. 
• Intense feeling of terror. 
• Sensation of choking or smothering.
• Dizziness or feeling faint. 
• Trembling or shaking. 
• Sweating
• Nausea or stomachache.
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes. 
• Chills or hot flashes.
• A fear that you are losing control or are about to die.

What Causes Panic Disorder?
 

• Although the exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, studies have shown that a combination of factors, including biological and environmental, may be involved. These factors include.
• Family history. Panic disorder has been shown to run in families. It may be passed on to some people by one or both parent(s) much like hair or eye color can. 
• Abnormalities in the brain. Panic disorder may be caused by problems in parts of the brain. 
• Substance abuse. Abuse of drugs and alcohol can contribute to panic disorder. 
• Major life stress. Stressful events and major life transitions, such as the death of a loved one, can trigger a panic disorder.

Panic disorder affects about 2.4 million adult Americans. Panic disorder most often begins during late adolescence and early adulthood. It is twice as common in women as in men.

How Is Panic Disorder Diagnosed?

If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose panic disorder, the doctor may use various tests to look for physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.

If no physical illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for panic disorder.

The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on reported intensity and duration of symptoms, including the frequency of panic attacks, and the doctor's observation of the patient's attitude and behavior. The doctor then determines if the symptoms and degree of dysfunction suggest panic 

How Is Panic Disorder Treated?

A combination of the following therapies often is used to treat panic disorder.
 

• Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy (a type of counseling) addresses the emotional response to mental illness. It is a process in which trained mental health professionals help people by talking through strategies for understanding and dealing with their disorder. 
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy. People suffering from panic disorder often participate in this type of psychotherapy in which the person learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings. Therapy also aims to identify possibly triggers for panic attacks. 
• Medication. The anti-depressant drugs Paxil and Zoloft and anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax or Klonopin are used to treat panic disorders. Sometimes, heart medications (such as beta blockers) are used to control irregular heartbeats.

What Is the Outlook for People With Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder can be successfully treated, and sufferers can go on to lead full and satisfying lives. With appropriate treatment, nearly 90% of people with panic disorder can find relief. Unfortunately, many people with panic disorder do not seek treatment. Without treatment, panic disorder can have serious consequences and can severely impair quality of life. Complications of untreated panic disorder include.
 

• Avoidance. A person may discontinue any activities that seem to trigger a panic attack. This can make a normal work and home life nearly impossible. 
• Anticipatory anxiety. This refers to anxiety that is triggered merely by thinking about the possibility of having an anxiety attack. 
• Agoraphobia. This is the fear of being in places or situations in which an attack may occur, or from which escape would be difficult or highly embarrassing. This fear can drive people to avoid public places and crowds, and may even progress to the point that the person will not leave his or her home. About one-third of people with panic disorder develop agoraphobia.

Can Panic Disorder Be Prevented?

Panic disorder cannot be prevented, however, there are some things you can do to reduce stress and decrease symptoms, including:
 

• Stop or reduce your consumption of products that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate. 
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies. Many contain chemicals that can increase anxiety symptoms. 
• Exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet.