- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences recurrent panic attacks. A panic attack is a feeling of intense fear when there is no real threat or danger.
More to Know
Panic disorder is usually diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 24. More women than men have the condition and it can run in families.
Along with unexplained and paralyzing fear, a person with panic disorder may experience a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness, hot flashes, and chills. Other symptoms may include shaking, trembling, sweating, and tingling in the fingers or toes. Some people may feel like they're losing control, having a heart attack, or dying. Symptoms usually last for 10-20 minutes but can last up to an hour or more.
Attacks can occur without a specific trigger or warning. For this reason, many people with panic disorder have difficulty participating in everyday routines like going to work or school for fear of having an attack in public.
Keep in Mind
Left untreated panic disorder can be a debilitating illness that leads to depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and many other problems. With medication and behavioral therapy, however, panic disorders can be successfully managed and most people suffering from the disorder can go on to live normal lives.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.