Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and recurring minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks.

These attacks may feel like heart attacks and involve symptoms like excessive sweating, dizziness, a rapid or pounding heartbeat, difficulty breathing, a sense of unreality, and fears of losing control or dying.

For instance, a college student might experience a panic attack when approaching the podium to give a major presentation.

Biologically, genetic predisposition plays a significant role, with altered neurotransmitter activity, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid or GABA imbalances, contributing to heightened fear responses.

Psychological factors include learned associations between physical sensations and panic. For instance, bodily cues like increased heart rate may trigger fears of an attack.

Similarly, sociocultural factors, such as high stress or traumatic events, can heighten vulnerability to panic attacks.

Additionally, studies show that in the United States, women are twice as likely than men to experience panic disorder, possibly due to hormonal and neurotransmitter differences.