Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear or discomfort, and sudden onset of uncomfortable physical symptoms, also known as panic attacks. Panic attacks typically last no longer than 10 minutes and are accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom or loss of control. Panic disorder can significantly interfere with a person's daily life, and individuals with this condition often experience persistent worry and fear about future panic attacks, or worry about the consequences of panic attacks such as embarrassment, losing control, or that panic attacks are signs of more serious illness such as a heart attack.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) provides a set of criteria for diagnosing panic disorder:

1. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks: Panic attacks are sudden, intense periods of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. During a panic attack, a person may experience symptoms like sweating, trembling, racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, or a feeling of impending doom.

2. Persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks: People with panic disorder often live in fear of experiencing another panic attack. This fear may lead to changes in behavior, such as avoiding situations or places where a panic attack previously occurred.

3. Significant maladaptive behavior changes: A person with panic disorder may make significant changes in their behavior as a result of their fear of panic attacks. For example, they may avoid going to social events or leaving the house altogether, or they may begin to use safety behaviors like carrying a bottle of water or medication with them at all times.

4. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance or a medical condition: The symptoms of panic disorder are not caused by drugs, medications, or another medical condition.

5. The symptoms cannot be better explained by another mental disorder: The symptoms of panic disorder are not better explained by another mental disorder, such as social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.

Examples of panic disorder:

1. Amanda is a 32-year-old woman who experiences sudden and intense panic attacks while driving. She feels like she is going to lose control of the car, and her heart races, making her feel like she is having a heart attack. As a result, she avoids driving and restricts her activities to places she can reach on foot.

2. John is a 45-year-old man who experiences panic attacks in social situations, such as parties or public speaking events. He worries that he will embarrass himself or have a panic attack in front of others, which causes him to avoid social situations and isolate himself.

3. Sarah is a 28-year-old woman who experiences panic attacks when she is in enclosed spaces, such as elevators or airplanes. She worries that she will not be able to escape if she has a panic attack, so she avoids these situations altogether.

Common safety behaviors:

Safety behaviors are actions that individuals with panic disorder engage in to reduce their anxiety and avoid triggering a panic attack. These behaviors can provide temporary relief but often reinforce the belief that the situation is dangerous and should be avoided. Some common safety behaviors include:

1. Avoidance: Individuals with panic disorder often avoid situations or activities that they associate with panic attacks, such as driving, socializing, or being in enclosed spaces.

2. Reassurance-seeking: People with panic disorder may seek reassurance from others that they are not having a heart attack or that they will be okay during a panic attack.

3. Mental rituals: Individuals with panic disorder may engage in mental rituals, such as repeating positive affirmations or counting to distract themselves during a panic attack.

4. Physical rituals: Some people with panic disorder may engage in physical rituals, such as deep breathing or holding onto an object, to calm themselves down during a panic attack.

5. Medication use: Individuals with panic disorder may rely on medication, such as anti-anxiety drugs, to manage their symptoms.

It is important to note that safety behaviors can maintain and worsen panic disorder over time, and the most effective treatment for this condition involves gradually facing and overcoming feared situations with the help of us trained licensed therapists. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, get started with COAC today!