[firefly01]

I was just recently diagnosed with panic disorder and I have absolutely no idea what it is. The pdoc that diagnosed in the hospital didn't have time to explain it to me.

[Swamp56]

He didn't have time to explain it to you? That's horrible. Here is the NIMH web article on it.

This post has been edited by Swamp56: 04 November 2009 - 06:07 PM

[Mckey]

I used to be diagnosed with Agoraphobia with Panic Disorder. With Panic (my own words not a nifty link to professionals) it is a sudden anxiety attack to the severity of sheer panic. Panic attacks usually happen less often than Anxiety itself. And even though Panic Disorder is indeed its own disorder, it is linked to other anxiety disorders (like mine was w/Agoraphobia).

Hope that helps.

[dianthus]

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes repeated, unexpected attacks of intense fear (panic attacks).

Check out this thread for some clarification on what a panic attack is (and isn't).

[pinkiemarie]

With a panic attack, you'll notice a lot of physical symptoms, which is part of what makes it panic and not anxiety. More info here.

Quote

Signs and symptoms of a panic attack
Panic attacks often strike when you’re away from home, but they can happen anywhere and at any time. You may have one while you’re in a store shopping, walking down the street, driving in your car, or sitting on the couch at home.

The signs and symptoms of a panic attack develop abruptly and usually reach their peak within 10 minutes. Most panic attacks end within 20 to 30 minutes, and they rarely last more than an hour.

A full-blown panic attack includes a combination of the following signs and symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
• Heart palpitations or a racing heart
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Trembling or shaking
• Choking feeling
• Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings

• Sweating
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Hot or cold flashes
• Fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy

[Mckey]

Actually I have most of those symptoms with regular anxiety.

What I believed most important in that quote was "The signs and symptoms of a panic attack develop abruptly and usually reach their peak within 10 minutes. Most panic attacks end within 20 to 30 minutes, and they rarely last more than an hour."