Diagnosis Information

Could You Have Panic Disorder?

Do you experience sudden episodes of intense and overwhelming fear that seem to come on for no apparent reason? During these episodes, do you also experience several of the following:

• Racing, pounding, or skipping heartbeat
• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
• Difficulty catching your breath
• Choking sensation or lump in your throat
• Excessive sweating
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Nausea or stomach problems
• Tingling or numbness in parts of your body
• Chills or hot flashes
• Shaking or trembling
• Feelings of unreality, or being detached from your body

During these episodes, do you have the urge to flee or the feeling that you need to escape? During these episodes, do you think something terrible might happen—that you might die, have a heart attack, suffocate, lose control, or embarrass yourself? Do you worry a lot about these episodes or fear that they will happen again? And does this fear cause you to avoid places or situations that you think might have triggered the attack?

If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, chances are you are suffering from panic disorder. If so, you are not alone. Panic disorder is very different from everyday anxiety. More than 3 million American adults have, or will have, panic disorder. Most frequently, it starts in young adulthood. Usually, it does not go away by itself. But with proper treatment, people with panic disorder can be helped.

Getting A Diagnosis

Since panic disorder can mimic a variety of medical conditions, such as heart problems and digestive complaints, the first thing you should do is have a full medical evaluation. Although it is important for you and your doctor to concentrate on your physical symptoms, you should not overlook other aspects of your attacks. Tell your doctor anything you notice about how your attacks make you feel and when they usually occur.

Information on both the physical and emotional aspects of the attacks can be very useful to the doctor in making a diagnosis. For example, the doctor will want to know if your attacks, or fear of having attacks, keep you from carrying out any of your normal activities. Many people with panic disorder also suffer from depression—feelings of intense sadness, even hopelessness. Depression is accompanied by an impaired ability to think, concentrate, and enjoy the normal pleasures of life. Be sure to make your doctor aware of these symptoms as well.

If you have been drinking or using drugs to try to control your symptoms, let your doctor know about that too. Once you have been properly diagnosed, your doctor—perhaps in consultation with a mental health specialist—can help you determine which treatment is best for you.

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