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Panic Disorder
Panic disorder develops following an initial panic attack which then progresses into a fear about having another panic attack. The symptoms of a panic attack include over breathing, racing heart, sweating, trembling, feeling sick, an “electric shock” sensation, feeling an urgent need to rush to the toilet, feeling faint, pain in the chest and an overwhelming feeling of fear and dread.
The symptoms can be so intense that it becomes extremely frightening for the person to contemplate experiencing it again. The symptoms are so strong that frequently people think they are having a heart attack.
Agoraphobia, or avoidance, frequently develops as a result of the fear of having another panic attack. For example, if a person has a panic attack in the supermarket, then she or he will avoid going to the supermarket in case another attack comes. While this may seem a good strategy initially, what usually occurs is that the panic attack inevitably occurs in another situation, for example, while driving, and this activity is avoided, or is only able to be carried out with someone else present. In extreme cases, the avoidance of panic attacks can lead to a person becoming literally house-bound.
Are Panic attacks common?
Panic Attacks are relatively common, with approximately 30% of the population having experienced a panic attack.
Panic attacks most commonly occur following a period of intense stress, but can be brought on by respiratory problems or postures that restrict breathing in any way. Not everyone who has a panic attack will develop panic disorder, which is an extreme fear of having another panic attack.
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