What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are discrete episodes of intense anxiety that can be very distressing for the person experiencing them. During a panic attack, individuals often experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, a racing heart, stomach discomfort or "knots," difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, and a sense of impending doom or a fear of losing control.

Panic attacks typically reach their peak intensity within minutes and can last for a short duration. Some individuals may feel the need to escape or leave the situation they are in to seek relief from the distressing symptoms. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or may be triggered by certain situations or stimuli.

If you suspect that you may have panic disorder or if you are experiencing panic attacks, it is important to seek professional help. Speaking with your family physician or a psychiatrist is a good first step. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options for panic disorder may include a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications to help manage and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.

Remember, seeking help from a healthcare professional is crucial in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for panic disorder. They can provide you with guidance, support, and the necessary resources to help you manage your symptoms effectively.

Featuring Dr. Lakshmi Yatham, MBBS, FRCPC, MRCPsych (UK)

Video Title: What is Panic Disorder? Duration: 51 seconds

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder, and people that have panic disorder have what we call panic attacks.

These are discreet episodes of anxiety, which the person experiencing the attack tends to feel they have shortness of breath, their heart is racing, they have knots in the stomach, they are gasping for breath, they may be sweating too much.

Sometimes, they may actually have to get out of the situation that they are in, in order to get relief. They tend to last several minutes for people.

If you think you have a panic disorder, please make sure to speak with your family physician or a psychiatrist.

Presenter: Dr. Lakshmi Yatham, Psychiatrist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Psychiatrist