What are panic attacks and panic disorder?
A panic attack is a sudden, intense fear or anxiety that may make you short of breath or dizzy or make your heart pound. You may feel out of control. Some people believe that they are having a heart attack or are about to die. An attack usually lasts from 5 to 20 minutes. But it may last even longer. You have the most anxiety about 10 minutes after the attack starts. If these attacks happen often, they are called a panic disorder.

Panic attacks can be scary and so bad that they get in the way of your daily activities. Treatment can help most people have fewer symptoms or even stop the attacks.

More women than men get panic attacks.

What causes panic attacks and panic disorder?
Experts aren't sure what causes panic attacks and panic disorder. But the body has a natural response when you are stressed or in danger. It speeds up your heart, makes you breathe faster, and gives you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight response. It gets you ready to either cope with or run away from danger. A panic attack occurs when this response happens when there is no danger.

Some people are more sensitive to anxiety and panic than others. Panic attacks and panic disorder may be more likely if you have a family history of panic disorder. They sometimes happen with no clear cause.

Panic attacks may also be brought on by:

A health problem such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or heart or breathing problems.
Depression or another mood disorder.
Heavy alcohol use.
Using too much nicotine or too much caffeine.
Taking certain medicines, such as those used to treat asthma and heart problems.
Misusing drugs.
Living with high levels of stress for a long time.
You have a higher chance of getting panic disorder if you have a parent with depression or bipolar disorder.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of a panic attack may include:

A feeling of intense fear, terror, or anxiety.
Trouble breathing or very fast breathing.
Chest pain or tightness.
A heartbeat that races or isn't regular.
Sweating.
Nausea or an upset stomach.
Dizziness and shaking.
Numbness or tingling.
Symptoms of panic disorder may include:

Repeated panic attacks when there is no reason for the fight-or-flight response.
Changing your daily activities because you worry that you will have another attack.
Some people have a fear of being in crowds, standing in line, or going into shopping malls. They are afraid of having another panic attack or of not being able to escape. This problem is called agoraphobia. It can be so bad for some people that they never leave their homes.

People who have panic disorder often have depression at the same time.

How are panic attacks and panic disorder diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your past health and do a physical examination. The examination may include listening to your heart, checking your blood pressure, and ordering blood tests to look for other causes of your problem.

How are they treated?
Treatments for panic attacks and panic disorder include counselling, especially cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Medicines may also help. Treatment can help most people control or even stop attacks. But symptoms can come back, especially if you stop treatment too soon.

Early treatment of panic attacks is very important. It can prevent other problems related to panic disorder. These problems include depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use problems.

Good health requires a positive attitude. It's up to you to decide to make the most of things when you are faced with health challenges. This attitude—a good-health mind-set—doesn't just happen. It takes work, every day.

The following tips will help you enjoy a "good-health attitude":footnote1

Focus on your abilities instead of your disabilities.
Focus on your strengths instead of your weaknesses.
Break down activities into small tasks that you can manage.
Incorporate fitness and nutrition into your daily routines.
Develop methods to minimize and manage stress.
Balance rest with activity.
Develop a support system of family, friends, and health professional