Panic Disorder

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What is panic disorder? " пїЅ Panic disorder is a condition that can make a person feel very scared and anxious for short periods of time. When this happens, it is called a "panic attack. " пїЅ The attacks can also cause chest pain and breathing problems that cause people to visit doctors or emergency rooms. пїЅ пїЅ

What are the symptoms of panic disorder? " пїЅ People with panic disorder have panic attacks that can make them: пїЅ пїЅ

Feel very scared and nervous
Have physical symptoms such as:Chest painTrouble breathingA fast heartbeatHeadacheStomachacheDizziness

The attacks happen without warning and can last several minutes to an hour. пїЅ пїЅ

People with panic disorder might also: пїЅ пїЅ

Worry about having panic attacks in the future
Avoid situations that might cause them to have a panic attack
See doctors or go to emergency rooms when they have panic attacks

Is there a test for panic disorder? " пїЅ No. There is no test. But your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms. пїЅ пїЅ

How is panic disorder treated? " пїЅ Treatments include: пїЅ пїЅ

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) " пїЅ In this type of therapy, you talk with a psychologist or counselor about the things you think and do. Then he or she helps you change how you think about your situation and how you react to it. This teaches you how to cope better with your panic disorder.
Medicines " пїЅ Some medicines used to treat depression or anxiety can help people with panic disorder. Your doctor or nurse will decide which medicines are best for your situation.

Some people have CBT and also take medicines. пїЅ пїЅ

What if I want to get pregnant? " пїЅ If you take medicines to treat panic disorder, talk to your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Some of the medicines used to treat panic disorder can cause problems for unborn babies, so you might need to switch medicines before you get pregnant. пїЅ пїЅ

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 84003 Version 3.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ

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Panic Disorder

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

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