Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms. These physical symptoms may include
- chest pain
- heart palpitations
- shortness of breath
- diaphoresis or sweating
- sensation of heat or cold
- pending doom (feeling one is going to have a heart attack and pass away)
- crying during the panic attack
- dizziness
- vomiting
- hand or muscle clenching
- numbness or tingling in hands or toes
- abdominal distress
Panic attacks can happen anywhere, anytime and without warning. One may live in fear of another attack and may avoid places where you have had an attack. For example plane rides or the elevator. For some people, fear takes over their lives and they cannot leave their homes. There is constant concern about having another panic attack or the consequences of a panic attack (elevator plunging).