Panic Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected panic attacks that last minutes or, rarely, hours. Panic attacks begin with intense apprehension, fear or terror and, often, a feeling of impending doom. Symptoms experienced during a panic attack include dyspnea or sensations of being smothered; dizziness, loss of balance or faintness; choking sensations; palpitations or accelerated heart rate; shakiness; sweating; nausea or other form of abdominal distress; depersonalization or derealization; paresthesias; hot flashes or chills; chest discomfort or pain; fear of dying and fear of not being in control of oneself or going crazy. Agoraphobia may also develop. Similar to other anxiety disorders, it may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

Year introduced: 1992

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Do not include MeSH terms found below this term in the MeSH hierarchy.

Tree Number(s): F03.080.700

MeSH Unique ID: D016584

Entry Terms:

• Disorder, Panic
• Disorders, Panic
• Panic Disorders
• Panic Attacks
• Attack, Panic
• Attacks, Panic
• Panic Attack

Previous Indexing:

• Anxiety Disorders (1978-1991)
• Fear (1978-1991)
• Panic (1978-1991)

All MeSH Categories
Psychiatry and Psychology Category
Mental Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Panic Disorder