William H. Reading, MD
Psychiatric Disorders
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by multiple unexpected episodes where the individual feels an intense fear and some of the following symptoms. It should be noted that these symptoms may also present with alcohol withdrawal, marijuana withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawal, low blood sugar, after using many asthma inhalers, and in other instances. Some or all of the symptoms of panic disorder may be present during an attack. The episode is called a "partial symptom attack" when there are relatively few symptoms during the panic attack.
Symptoms that may be present during an episode of a panic attack:
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Trembling/shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Smothering sensations
- Feeling of choking
- Chest pain/discomfort
- Abdominal distress
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness
- Lightheadedness
- Faint sensations
- Derealization
- Depersonalization
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
- Paresthesias
- Numbness
- Tingling sensations
- Chills
- Hot flashes