Panic disorders are commonly associated with anxiety attacks and are in fact closely related to anxiety attacks. Panic disorders actually are a type of anxiety disorder. Panic disorder itself is the fear of having a spontaneous panic attack. Such an attack occurs with no warning and may occur in either morning or night. In most cases, there appears to be no link to what the person is doing and the appearance of the attack. In fact, some people even claim that they felt quite calm just before the attack.



Panic disorder can appear as a result of prior anxiety attacks. Individuals who suffer from anxiety attacks may be so concerned about having another attack that they develop panic disorder. When panic disorder becomes severe it may also result in agoraphobia and severely interfere with the individual’s ability to live a normal life.

Some of the symptoms associated with panic disorder include the following:

• Intense heat in the body

• Tingly sensations

• Racing heart beat

• Chest pain

• Difficulty breathing

• Palpitations

• Jaw pain

• Left arm pain

• Nausea

• Shaking

• Trembling

• Headache

• Neck pain

• Choking sensation

• Perspiration

• Churning stomach

The specific fears that an individual may experience with panic disorder can vary from one person to the next. Some of the most common fears; however, include a fear of dying from a panic attack, having a heart attack, going crazy or insane or a fear of losing control. Therefore, one of the most important next steps in treating panic disorder is to tell yourself, and keep telling yourself, that this is a perception only. Tell yourself daily, several times if necessary, that you are not going to die from an attack or go crazy. It might even be helpful to write down such affirmations and read them to yourself when you feel such fears overwhelming you. This is a good way to get control of the situation as well as prevent possible further problems such as agoraphobia, depression and possible alcohol/drug abuse and addiction. One of the best advantages of this treatment technique is that you can use it anytime and anywhere.

It is also important to begin analyzing what may have triggered your attacks. As previously mentioned, this can sometimes be a difficult task because at first glance it may appear as though there was no specific trigger. Upon further investigation; however, you will more than likely find there is a connection between the first attack you experienced and some type of stress in your life at the time.

Taking the time to learn about panic disorder is the most important first step in treating panic disorders.