Anxiety disorders – Panic Disorder
Panic is when a person experiences episodes of intense panic. These episodes are unpredictable, start abruptly, and usually last a few minutes. While having an episode of panic, a person’s heart may race, they may sweat, shake, have difficulty breathing, have chest pain, feel sick, dizzy or faint and may fear that they are having a heart attack or dying.
Panic Disorder is particularly distressing because the person has no idea when the attack will come, and often will avoid going out in case of an episode. This avoidance is understandable but may make the condition worse. Panic Disorder can exist either with or without agoraphobia (fear of open or public places).