What Is Panic Disorder? Panic Attacks

What it means

Panic disorder is a condition where a person has repeated panic attacks that come on suddenly, often without a clear trigger. A panic attack is a rush of intense fear with physical symptoms such as a racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, shaking, sweating, dizziness or a feeling of losing control. People then often worry about the next attack and may avoid places where attacks happened.

Panic disorder appears on medicine labels as an indication. Some SSRIs, SNRIs and benzodiazepines are approved to treat it. Their labels also include warnings, such as watching for mood changes when starting an antidepressant, and the risk of dependence and withdrawal with benzodiazepines.

Panic disorder differs from generalized anxiety disorder, where worry is constant rather than coming in sudden attacks. Because panic symptoms can feel like a heart attack, new chest pain should still be checked by a doctor rather than assumed to be panic.

Where you may see it

• The 'Indications' section of some antidepressant and benzodiazepine labels
• Mental health assessment letters
• Emergency department discharge notes after chest pain checks