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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and that triggers severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.
You may have only one or two panic attacks in your lifetime. But if you have had several panic attacks and have spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a chronic condition called panic disorder.
Panic attacks were once dismissed as nerves or stress, but they're now recognized as a real medical condition. Although panic attacks can significantly affect your quality of life, treatment is very effective.
- Panic attack. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- Hollander E, et al. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- Ciechanowski P, et al. Overview of panic disorder. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- Panic disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/panic-disorder.shtml. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- Davies RD. Panic attacks and panic disorder. In: Jacobson JL, et al. Psychiatric Secrets. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Hanley & Belfus, Inc.; 2001. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/178504199-14/0/1167/34.html?tocnode=49274996&fromURL=34.html#4-u1.0-B1-56053-418-4..50017-0_289. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- Answers to your questions about panic disorder. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/panic-disorder.aspx. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/pracGuide/pracGuideTopic_9.aspx. Accessed Jan. 14, 2010.
- Kinrys G, et al. Natural remedies for anxiety disorders: Potential use and clinical applications. Depression and Anxiety. 2009;26:259.
- Saeed SA, et al. Herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety disorders. American Family Physician. 2007;76:549.
- Hall-Flavin, DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 16, 2010.
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