Severe panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring severe panic attacks. A person who experiences recurrent panic attacks, at least one of which leads to at least a month of increased anxiety or avoidant behavior, is said to have panic disorder. Repeated severe panic attacks are an indication of severe panic disorder. The most common symptoms may include trembling, dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, faintness, numbness, heart palpitation, hot flashes and cold flashes, burning sensations (particularly in the facial or neck area), nausea, sweating, dizziness, hyperventilation, lightheadedness, paresthesias (tingling sensations), sensations of choking or smothering, and derealization. Victims of panic disorder usually have a series of severe panic and anxiety attack. These attacks typically last about ten minutes, but can be as short-lived as 1–5 minutes and last as long as twenty minutes or until medical intervention. However, attacks can wax and wane for a period of hour, and the intensity and specific symptoms of panic may vary over the duration.
Panic disorder often occurs with other mental and physical disorders, including other anxiety disorders, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or substance abuse. Since many of the symptoms of panic disorder mimic those of illnesses such as heart disease, thyroid problems, and breathing disorders, people with panic disorder often visit doctors, have their personal health check up that they are having a serious and life-threatening illness. They sometimes misinterpret their situation. It often takes months or years and a great deal of frustration before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Often, there is no concrete basis of the causes of severe panic attacks or panic disorder. However, genetics, changes in brain function, and stress could be the contributing factors. But sometimes it is in the way the person deal with the factors that triggers panic attacks or panic disorder. Avoid getting stressed can also avoid panic disorder. Getting involved in activities that relaxes, calm, and unwind the mind can greatly help victims of panic attack and panic disorder.
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