Panic disorder with agoraphobia

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Panic disorder with agoraphobia

Panic attacks involve limited periods of intense symptoms, such as those listed below, which peak within 10 minutes of their onset:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or faintness
• Palpitations
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Choking
• Nausea or other abdominal distress
• Numbness or tingling
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Hot flushes or chills
• Fear of dying
• Fear of being out of control
• Fear of "going crazy"

Symptoms of agoraphobia include:

• Anxiety about being in places where escape might be difficult
• Avoiding or enduring situations with marked stress or anxiety about having a panic attack
• Fear of being alone
• Fear of losing control in a public place
• Becoming house-bound for prolonged periods
• Feeling detached or estranged from others
• Feeling helpless and dependent on others

A physical examination and a psychological evaluation will be performed to arrive at a diagnosis. People with undiagnosed panic disorder may truly feel as if they are dying. Often, they will go to emergency rooms or other urgent care centers because they think they are having a heart attack.

Given the physical nature of symptoms and the possibilities for misdiagnosis, it is critical that any underlying medical disorders be ruled out. Cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, neurologic, and substance abuse disorders may be suspected and can coexist with panic disorders. Diagnostic tests will done depending on the symptoms.

Review Date: 05/08/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.