Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are sudden surges of fear or intense discomfort, with associated physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or a racing or pounding heart, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain or discomfort, nausea, feeling dizzy or light-headed, feeling chilly or extremely hot, tingling/numbness, feelings or unreality or detachment. Panic attacks are also often accompanied by a fear of going crazy or losing control, and fear of dying. They can occur from a calm state or an anxious state, and are often described as terrifying by those who experience them.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder occurs when an individual who has experienced panic attack/s becomes excessively worried about having another panic attack and/or changes their behaviour in a substantial way to avoid having further panic attacks (e.g., avoids physical activity as some of the physical sensations of exercise replicate panic symptoms; avoids situations which elicit any anxiety).

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia describes a condition where an individual fears or avoids certain situations (e.g., public transport, open spaces, enclosed spaces, standing in line, being in a crowd, being alone outside their home) due to a fear that it might not be possible to escape or access help. The feared situations are avoided, endured only in the presence of a companion, or elicit intense fear or anxiety.