Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a problem in which sudden upswings in anxiety symptoms take place, often for no apparent reason.

The attacks typically last between 5 and 30 minutes, though their end is often difficult to pinpoint because the person is left with residual anxiety that can last for hours.

The attacks of anxiety consist of a number of physical symptoms, often including (but not limited to) difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, sweating, chills or flushes, tingling or numbness in the extremities, dizziness, choking sensations, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms.

Psychological symptoms include intense fear - often of dying, losing control, fainting, or doing something that would be humiliating. A desire to escape to a safe environment is common, hence the development of agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia

Literally "fear of the marketplace", agoraphobia is actually a fear of developing extreme physical symptoms in a situation from which escape to a sense of safety might be difficult.

The feared symptoms are usually panic attacks, though some people fear other problems (such as losing bladder or bowel control).

Agoraphobia typically begins with avoidance of specific situations in which the symptoms have taken place in the past, or which the person fears could trigger the symptoms.

Avoidance brings relief, which makes the retreat to safety more compelling over time. The list of avoided situations gradually lengthens to a point at which effective functioning is impaired. In extreme cases people have become housebound.

Treatment

Cognitive behavioural treatment of panic and agoraphobia have been found to be remarkably effective.

As with most anxiety disorders, therapy involves an examination of thoughts concerning the symptoms, and gradual supported exposure to anxiety triggers at tolerable intensities. Additional therapy elements are added as needed.

Although they can be extremely disabling, panic disorder and agoraphobia are among the psychological disorders most responsive to treatment.