Panic disorder

Alternative names:

panic attack

Definition:

Unpredictable attacks of anxiety that are not specific to a particular situation and are accompanied by physiological manifestations (see also generalized anxiety disorder).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact cause of panic disorder is unknown. There may be a temporal lobe dysfunction, or the disorder may develop as a persistent pattern of maladaptive behavior acquired by learning. Stimulants, such as caffeine and cocaine, or alcohol may induce the symptoms.

People with this disorder often undergo medical evaluations for symptoms related to heart attack or other medical conditions before the diagnosis of panic disorder is made. Attacks may last from minutes to hours. An affected person often lives in fear of another attack and may be reluctant to be alone or far from medical assistance.

There is a familial tendency, with age of onset before 25 years old. It occurs more often in women than men. Approximately 3 to 5% of the population is affected. Panic disorder can occur in children, but is often not recognized.