← All diseases

Disease Atlas / Disease detail

Panic Disorder

This is an educational draft that concisely summarizes the definition, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and scope of evidence for panic disorder.

panic disorder

MONDO:0005383Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · bc8b52486cc8

Disease category
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks even in situations where no clear actual danger is present.
Core mechanism
Although the exact cause remains unidentified, genetic predisposition, biological and chemical factors in the brain, environmental factors, and significant stress may be involved.
Main causes · related factors
In panic disorder, anticipatory anxiety—the fear that another attack might occur after a sudden panic attack—and situational avoidance can reinforce each other.
Representative patterns
The typical presentation involves sudden intense fear or loss of control, accompanied by palpitations, sweating, trembling, dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, and nausea.
Individual differences
Family history, female sex, onset in late adolescence or early adulthood, significant stress, and especially experiences of childhood trauma may be associated with increased risk, although individual differences are substantial.
Diagnosis
Panic attacks can occur at any time without warning and may last from several minutes to over an hour; while some improve after one or two attacks, others experience persistent recurrent attacks and avoidance.
Management
Diagnosis is made by confirming medical history and symptoms, examining causes related to physical illnesses or drugs/substances, and, if necessary, comprehensively integrating physical examinations, blood tests, cardiac evaluation, and psychological assessment.
Treatment/Research Status
Because the chest pain, dyspnea, and palpitations of a panic attack can overlap with other physical illnesses, panic disorder should not be diagnosed based on symptoms alone.
Read Evidence
Management focuses on reducing symptoms and avoidance and restoring daily functioning; psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and support systems may be combined as appropriate for the situation.
Key Precautions
Current treatments may include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications; the choice is determined by considering an individual's symptoms and risks.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a Glance

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks even in situations where no clear actual danger is present.

The typical presentation involves sudden intense fear or loss of control, accompanied by palpitations, sweating, trembling, dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, and nausea.

How the disease works

Although the exact cause remains unidentified, genetic predisposition, biological and chemical factors in the brain, environmental factors, and significant stress may be involved.

In panic disorder, anticipatory anxiety—the fear that another attack might occur after a sudden panic attack—and situational avoidance can reinforce each other.

Variations in presentation among individuals

Family history, female sex, onset in late adolescence or early adulthood, significant stress, and especially experiences of childhood trauma may be associated with increased risk, although individual differences are substantial.

The broad framework of diagnosis and management

Panic attacks can occur at any time without warning and may last from several minutes to over an hour; while some improve after one or two attacks, others experience persistent recurrent attacks and avoidance.

Diagnosis is made by confirming medical history and symptoms, examining causes related to physical illnesses or drugs/substances, and, if necessary, comprehensively integrating physical examinations, blood tests, cardiac evaluation, and psychological assessment.

Current status of treatment

Because the chest pain, dyspnea, and palpitations of a panic attack can overlap with other physical illnesses, panic disorder should not be diagnosed based on symptoms alone.

Management focuses on reducing symptoms and avoidance and restoring daily functioning; psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and support systems may be combined as appropriate for the situation.

Current treatments may include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications; the choice is determined by considering an individual's symptoms and risks.

How to read clinical trials

Clinical trial registration information records that the 'Anxiety Skills Study' associated with panic disorder is currently recruiting, but registration status alone cannot be used to determine efficacy, safety, approval, or whether it constitutes standard treatment.

Points to verify during clinical consultations

In clinical practice, it is important to assess the onset and duration of seizures, physical symptoms, triggers and avoidance behaviors, concerns about recurrence, sleep patterns, caffeine, alcohol, and drug use, as well as past medical history and current medications.

Medical Guidance

This material is for educational purposes and is not intended as a guide for individual diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with medical professionals regarding symptoms or treatment decisions.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.