Panic Disorder:

Panic disorder results from repeated, unexpected panic attacks and overwhelming fear in the absence of a cause for the fear. Between panic attacks, the person may worry intensely about when and where the next one may happen. Panic disorder often starts in the teens or early adulthood and less commonly in childhood. Women are twice as likely as men to have it. There may be a genetic link since it tends to run in families. Panic disorder may be an overreaction of the body’s normal survival instincts and behaviors, with more sensitivity to hormones that trigger excited feelings in the body. Panic attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour or sometimes longer. As the panic gets worse and attacks last longer, it’s more difficult to cope with everyday life, keep a job, or function in social settings. People with panic disorder are at risk for substance abuse to relieve stress. Also see: Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder