If you have ever felt suddenly overwhelmed with feelings of fear or anxiety that last for minutes on end, you may have experienced a panic attack. If you regularly find yourself gripped by these feelings you cannot control, you may have panic disorder. Not everyone who has a panic attack has panic disorder—but if you do, it is important to recognize and seek out proper treatment.
Like all anxiety disorders, panic disorder can slowly diminish a person’s quality of life. If you are concerned you may have panic disorder, there are a few key indicators that may help you better understand your feelings and gain a sense of control over what can otherwise be a frightening experience.
As the name suggests, panic disorder is expressed in panic attacks which occur without warning, accompanied by sudden feelings of terror, dread, or doom. These attacks are characterized by a number of physical symptoms that range from shortness of breath to sweating or chills to a racing heart, stomach pain, and