Panic Disorder

Panic & Acute Anxiety Explained

Nature of Disorder

There is a distinct difference between a panic attack and a diagnosis of panic disorder.

A panic attack is a brief episode of intense fear or anxiety, with physical symptoms like a racing heart, fast breathing, and tense muscles. This response, known as “fight-or-flight,” helps us react to real danger but can also be triggered by perceived threats. Panic attacks can happen with different anxiety disorders. For instance, someone with social anxiety might experience a panic attack when worried about being judged.

Panic disorder is when panic attacks occur frequently and unexpectedly, with no clear cause. People with panic disorder often avoid places where they’ve had previous attacks. If a person’s primary fear centers on open or crowded places, they may also have agoraphobia.

Experience

Panic disorder refers to recurrent panic attacks that typically reach a peak within 15-30 minutes. Having any four of the following symptoms qualifies as a panic attack.

    • Fast heartbeat
    • Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
    • Shaking or trembling
    • Shortness of breath or choking
    • Chest pain
    • Nausea or stomach pain
    • Dizziness or feeling faint
    • Numbness or tingling
    • Feeling detached from reality
    • Fear of losing control, “going crazy,” or dying

    Many people who have a panic attack for the first time go to the ER, fearing a serious health issue. When no medical problem is found, it can heighten their anxiety as they try to understand what they experienced.

    Thoughts and behaviors play a large role in the ongoing experience of panic disorder. People often worry they have a serious illness, fear judgment, or think they’re “going crazy.” This worry makes them focus on small body sensations—like a faster heartbeat—believing these are signs of danger.

    Cognitive and Behavioral Impact
    To cope, people with panic disorder may avoid situations where they think a panic attack could occur. They might also quickly leave places where they start to feel panic. Avoiding these situations leads to hyper-awareness and the need to control surroundings to prevent another attack.

    Some people use “safety behaviors” to reduce their panic, like carrying water, a phone, sitting near exits, or having someone accompany them. These may feel helpful in the moment but can actually make it harder to reduce panic over time.

    At Anxiety Institute, we view panic symptoms not as threats, but as opportunities to face anxiety, overcome fear, and build courage.

     

Impact

Panic disorder, untreated, can negatively impact many aspects of an individual’s life.

If untreated, panic disorder can negatively affect many parts of life. Avoiding and isolating can impact physical health, make relationships difficult, and lead to depression or substance abuse. Young people with untreated panic disorder are also more likely to experience issues with sleep, nutrition, school attendance, and family conflict. As panic and avoidance increase, life becomes more limited. However, with the right treatment, recovery is very possible.

 

Treatment

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective for anxiety, OCD, trauma, and panic disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective for anxiety, OCD, trauma, and panic disorder. CBT includes:

  • Cognitive therapy: Understanding how thoughts influence panic and behavior.
  • Behavioral therapy: Reducing the link between physical discomfort and automatic reactions.

An important CBT technique is response prevention, where clients stay in situations that cause panic for gradually longer periods, learning that these situations are safe.

Anxiety Institute’s 20-hour-per-week program combines intensive CBT and exposure therapy to help clients quickly “unlearn” old habits and build healthier ones, creating resilience and reducing panic.

Resources

Newsletter:
Read Anxiety Institute’s newsletter about panic disorder.

American Psychological Association, APA;
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/09/cover-pressure.aspx

Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA;
https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics

How 25 College Students Cope With Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Teen Vogue
Read Article

MentalHealth.org;    
http://www.mentalhealth.org/what-to-look-for/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): An organization with the National Institute of health dedicated to mental health research;
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/panic-disorder.shtml

Panic Disorder and College
Verywell Mind
Read Article

Why Are More American Teenagers Than Ever Suffering from Severe Anxiety?
The New York Times Magazine
Read Article