Panic disorder is the name given to recurrent panic attacks that are not consistently associated with a particular situation or object (ICD-10 – http://www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/GRNBOOK.pdf). Each panic attack tends to start without any or much warning, and usually causes significant fear or discomfort.  Symptoms include:

  • Pounding heart
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Dry mouth
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • A feeling of losing control, going mad, fainting or dying.
  • Feeling hot/cold
  • Numbness or tingling sensations

Panic attacks can last several minutes and it may take some time before the sufferer’s anxiety has subsided to pre-attack levels.   They can often feel particularly frightening because of their unpredictable nature and the severity of the anxiety symptoms and fears often experienced.

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