Panic disorder
Panic disorder affects between 3 and 6 million Americans. It can occur in both children and adults. It frequently begins during young adulthood.
People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly they seem to "come out of the blue" and feel unpredictable. They often fear that their panic attacks might cause them to have a heart attack or stroke, go crazy, or lose control. Symptoms of a panic attack might include feeling your heart pound, feeling sweaty, weak, faint or dizzy. Some people's hands tingle or feel numb, and they might feel flushed or chilled. Chest pain or smothering sensations and a sense of unreality are also common. Many people feel a sense of impending doom or loss of control. It's very common for people to genuinely believe that they are having a heart attack or stroke, on the verge or death, or even that they're losing their minds.
Panic attacks can occur at any time - even during non - dream sleep! Most panic attacks, while very intense, last only a few minutes to ten minutes. People with panic disorder usually can't predict when the next one will come, and therefore develop intense anxiety between attacks or experience a chronic sense of lingering worry that a panic attack could come at any time.
They often worry when and where the next one will strike, avoid activities where they think they are likely, and avoid activities where they think panic attacks are likely. Some people who have panic disorder begin to lead very restricted lives - they might avoid everyday activities like driving, going to the grocery store, going out without a trusted person, or in some cases even leaving their homes - any situation where they would feel vulnerable and helpless if a panic attack came on. Extreme restriction like this happens in about a third of people with panic disorder, and it is called Agoraphobia. Early treatment of panic disorder can oftentimes stop Agoraphobia from occurring.